CSOs defend right to protest amidst looming demonstration

Nineteen civil society groups have rallied to defend the right to peaceful protest in the country.

The groups say this remains the cornerstone of democracy and no threat or intimidation should be meted out to suppress the people from protesting.

This is coming less than 72 hours into the planned August 1 protest against hunger and hardship.

These groups collectively advocate for the protection of protesters’ rights and urge the Nigerian Judiciary and National Human Rights Commission to ensure a fair and just response to any related charges.

All these were contained in a Monday Press Statement issued in Abuja by Rapid Response Group.

It was titled, “The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed.”

According Online reports that some of the groups that undersigned the statement are international groups with their wings spread beyond Nigeria.

“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,” it said.

According to the statement, the societies maintained that protesting is a fundamental right protected by international laws and Nigeria’s Constitution.

“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.

“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.

“History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance,” it added.

However, they stressed that protests should be peacefully and responsibly carried out without violating the rights of others.

It read further, “While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.

“Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law.

“Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.”

Meanwhile, they also added that suppressing protests with intimidation or excessive force is unacceptable.

Protests should be assumed peaceful, and any threats should be managed by targeting saboteurs, not organisers, they insisted

The statement also noted, “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.”

Similarly, they called on the Nigerian Judiciary and National Human Rights Commission to protect #August1 protesters’ rights and quickly address and dismiss any unjust charges against them.

The statement concluded, “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.

“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.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.

“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”

According Online reports that 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda, and BudgIT Foundation, were among the listed organisations that countersigned to endorse the statement.

Others include Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development, Centre for Inclusive Social Development, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Dataphyte Foundation, DigiCivic Initiative.

Others are: Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, Farnnel Women Foundation, Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development, Global Rights, Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative, HIFWAC Relief, Hope Behind Bars Africa, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation, and International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre.