A coalition of press and civil society organizations has called for the respect and protection of the right to peaceful protest, condemning any attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive force, or unjust legal actions.
In a press statement sent to WikkiTimes, the coalition emphasized the importance of peaceful protests as a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital mechanism for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
The coalition which consists media and civil society groups include Centre for Journalism Innovation Development (CJID), Media Right Agenda (MRA), WikkiTimes, BudgIT Foundation among others.
The statement while calling on citizens to emulate a peaceful demonstration said citizens are entitled to “publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.”
“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
“Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately. Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state,” the statement read in part.
It read in part: “In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
“Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.”
“We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.
These instruments, according to the coalition, enshrine protesting as a legitimate form of expression, allowing citizens to voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
“The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy,” the statement said.
However, youths have kick-started the protest in Niger State on Monday ahead of the scheduled date.
WikkiTimes also reported that the Police in Plateau State have arrested a TikToker Suleiman Yakubu for allegedly releasing a video clip on TikTok calling on people to burn down public and private properties in the state during the forthcoming nationwide protest.
