Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government and law enforcement agencies to stop criminalizing peaceful protests.
In a recent statement, the commission emphasized that protests are a fundamental expression of human rights and should be protected, not suppressed.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, made the call during the commission’s dashboard presentation for July and August 2024. He urged all levels of government to prepare for the planned nationwide protest and refrain from taking actions to criminalize its organizers.
Ojukwu stressed that the government had been given ample notice of the protest and emphasized the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to prevent it from being hijacked by criminals.
He condemned the excessive use of force and disregard for human rights during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
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The commission also highlighted the significant displacement caused by various crises in Nigeria. adding that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that about 208,655 persons have been displaced in 22 states this year already, a stark increase from 2023 figures.
The NHRC urged the government to take immediate and sustainable actions to address this pressing issue.
In addition, the commission reported that over 1,200 people who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests were arrested and detained by security agencies. While some have been charged, many were held for longer than legally permissible before being brought to court.
The NHRC emphasized that peaceful protests are a legitimate means of expressing grievances and should not be suppressed. It urged the government to guide protests rather than attempt to stop them and to distinguish between genuine protesters and criminals.
