The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has called on security agencies to fish out criminals that may try to undermine the proposed nationwide protest today.
CDD West Africa also called on the Federal Government to respect the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly as contained in the Constitution and democratic culture.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the director, CDD West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, on the planned nationwide protest holding August 1.
Dr Garuba said one of the fundamental principles of democracy is the right to protest and it is a legitimate and democratic right of the citizens of any country.
The CDD expressed concerns over recent attempts by leaders seeking to discourage the movement through arbitrary arrest and intimidation.
The statement read in part: “There can be no mistaking the fact that every democratic State must have the mechanisms to take criticism or complaints from its citizens. It is why avenues, such as peaceful protests, are important to ensure that the government is made aware of the considerable concerns that citizens have about the country. CDD reaffirms that a fundamental principle of democracy is the right to protest, and this is a legitimate and democratic right of the citizens of any country.
“It is one of the vital mechanisms for expressing dissent, voicing concerns, and advocating for change. In an ideal democratic setting, the voices of the people should be heard, and their grievances must be subsequently addressed.
CDD further called on citizens to ensure a peaceful movement devoid of apathy and violence, saying the government should arrange a “robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement” to address the pressing needs.
“While noting the right to protest, we also call on leaders of the various activist groups and movements going out to protest, to ensure that these structures are well-planned and coordinated,” it added.
It further called on security agencies to provide adequate security to protect the lives and properties of the protesters as laws of the state must be respected.
NCWS
Meanwhile the National Council of Women Societies in Nigeria (NCWS) has appealed to Nigerian Youths to stop the nationwide protest and consider having a dialogue with the government to address pressing needs.
The council, speaking through its National President in statement issued on Wednesday, Mrs. Geraldine Ita Etuk said protesting implies potential violent activities and general instability in the country.
Mrs Etuk noted that the Federal Government has recently made efforts to address some issues and should be acknowledged for that, adding that “it is only through mutual respect and understanding that we can create lasting and effective solutions to the challenges we face.”
The statement read: “In light of the recent events and the rising tensions across our nation, the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), representing the collective voice of mothers and women, is appealing to our esteemed youths to consider alternative methods of dialogue to address the pressing issues confronting the nation rather than resorting to protests, which may lead to unwanted destruction and instability in our beloved country.
“We acknowledge the legitimate grievances and frustrations of our youth regarding the state of governance. Your voices and concerns are vital to the progress and development of our nation.”
Mrs Etuk urges the youths to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement as a means to effect change to minimize the risk of violence through protests that can lead to loss of lives and property.
“As mothers, we deeply feel the pain and the impact of these disruptions on our families and communities. We believe that through peaceful and thoughtful dialogue, we can collectively work towards solutions that will ensure a better future for all.
“The Federal Government has been putting some efforts in place to fix the country and also to have a meaningful dialogue with the youths. It is only through mutual respect and understanding that we can create lasting and effective solutions to the challenges we face.
“Let us come together as one nation, united in our diversity, to build a future that is equitable, just, and prosperous for every citizen.”
