ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has voiced concern over the alignment of numerous governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and affluent individuals with the government’s position against a planned protest addressing alleged governance failures. The protest, scheduled to begin on Thursday, August 1st, has drawn widespread attention, particularly from Nigerian youths.
In a statement released on Monday, AAN’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, affirmed the organization’s solidarity with the protesters, emphasizing the importance of upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. “Every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution,” Mamedu stated.
Reflecting on the 2020 End SARS protests, Mamedu highlighted the significant role of peaceful demonstrations in expressing citizens’ concerns. He also warned against the dangers of security forces failing to protect protesters, as evidenced by past incidents, including the tragic outcomes of the June 12, 2024, protests.
AAN criticized the federal government’s focus on suppressing the protest rather than addressing the root causes of public discontent, such as severe economic challenges and poor living conditions. “Many in power overlook that citizens do not protest without cause,” the statement noted. It urged the government to prioritize addressing these issues to prevent protests from escalating.
The organization also called on the federal government to ensure the protection of all protesters, stressing that the safety of citizens exercising their constitutional rights is crucial for maintaining public order. AAN demanded a commitment from the government and security agencies to respect citizens’ rights to protest without fear of violence or retribution.
Furthermore, AAN cautioned against declarations by governors and politicians that undermine citizens’ rights to protest, describing such actions as a betrayal of democratic principles and the rule of law. The statement concluded by urging protesters to maintain peace and order, while reminding anti-protest groups to respect the rights of fellow Nigerians.
ActionAid Nigeria’s appeal underscores the critical need for a peaceful and respectful approach to addressing the grievances driving the planned nationwide protest.
