Reacting to a recent ruling by the Lagos State High Court limiting protests during the #EndBadGovernance movement, legal experts and other stakeholders share their opinions with ONOZURE DANIA
August 1, 2024, marks the commencement of the nationwide protest with the hashtag #EndBadGovernance. This protest aims to voice citizens’ dissatisfaction with government policies that have caused hunger and economic difficulties and is scheduled to conclude on August 10.
Prior to this, the Federal Government expressed concerns that the protest could turn violent, similar to the #EndSARS protest in October 2020, marked by property destruction.
Security agencies preemptively deployed personnel nationwide to protect lives and property during the protest, as announced by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi.
Some supporters referenced President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in the Occupy Nigeria protest of January 2, 2012, protesting against a fuel price hike during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
A Lagos State High Court ordered protesters to demonstrate only at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park in Ketu within specific hours, sparking a debate on judicial protection of civil liberties.
Access to Justice Convener, Joseph Otteh, criticized the ruling, highlighting its potential damage to the judiciary’s reputation and its adverse impact on human rights.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, emphasized the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but stressed the importance of adhering to laws to prevent violence.
The discourse between the right to protest and public safety reflects the complexity of the ongoing conversation about civil liberties in Nigeria.
Civil society organizations reiterated peaceful protest as a constitutional right and urged all parties to prioritize safety and rule of law during demonstrations.
Lawyer Saheed Ajadi advocated for fair punishment for those breaking the law, acknowledging the economic challenges affecting the country while urging constructive engagement with the government.