As Nigerians prepare for nationwide protests scheduled for Monday, 7 April 2025, Amnesty International Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to uphold the constitutional and international rights of protesters, particularly the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.
The protests are in response to what many see as a growing clampdown on civil liberties, with critics pointing to the alleged misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to silence dissent. Amnesty and other civil society groups have urged security agencies to respect the rights of citizens and ensure that the demonstrations proceed without unlawful interference.
Amnesty noted that Nigeria, as a state party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has an obligation to protect and promote these fundamental freedoms. The group also emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and free speech.
Civil society organizations have further cautioned public officials against making inflammatory remarks that could incite hostility or deter participation. Instead, they are encouraging authorities to view the protests as a democratic platform for citizens to express their concerns and engage constructively with government.
Rights advocates warn that any attempt to suppress peaceful protests would not only violate the law but also signal a troubling disregard for democratic values.
The message remains clear: the Federal Government must demonstrate its commitment to democratic governance by allowing Nigerians to exercise their rights freely and ensuring that security forces respond with professionalism, restraint, and respect for human rights.
