The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government and law enforcement agencies to prepare for, rather than suppress, the upcoming nationwide protest planned for October 1.
The NHRC emphasized that protest is an internationally recognized human right, and it is the responsibility of law enforcement to ensure peaceful demonstrations are not hijacked by hoodlums.
In its statement, the NHRC condemned the heavy-handed response by law enforcement during last month’s #EndBadGovernance protest, which was marred by excessive force and violations of the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and other associated rights. Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, speaking through his Special Assistant Benedict Agu, highlighted that the actions of security agencies led to violence and loss of lives, which he termed as stark violations of fundamental human rights that demand accountability and justice.
Ojukwu underscored the #EndBadGovernance protest as a clear expression of the public’s demand for accountability and good governance. He also drew attention to the ongoing displacement crisis in Nigeria, noting that 208,655 individuals have been displaced across 22 states this year, as reported by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). He urged the government to take immediate, sustainable actions to address displacement and prevent future crises, such as flooding.
The NHRC’s recent human rights dashboard reported that over 1,200 participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests have been arrested and detained, with some held beyond the legal time frame before being charged in court. Senior Human Rights Adviser Hillary Ogbona noted that the Commission received 414,200 complaints of human rights abuses over the last two months, reiterating that protest is not a crime but a legitimate means of expressing grievances against unfavorable government policies.
Ogbona stressed that the government should facilitate rather than hinder protests, distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those engaging in criminal activities like looting and property destruction. He appealed for the government to compensate victims of such acts who have suffered losses.
The NHRC urged the government to adopt a human rights-based approach to managing lawful protests and address the root causes of public discontent, which are often linked to economic and political challenges. The Commission also called for enhanced protection of lives and property, stressing the need for a robust response to security challenges, including mass killings, abductions, and attacks on law enforcement and press freedom.
As the NHRC continues to monitor the legal proceedings against detained protesters, Ogbona emphasized that charges of treason must be substantiated with credible evidence. He revealed that between July and August, the Commission documented significant increases in human rights violations, including 365 cases of kidnapping, 340 killings, and widespread attacks on security forces and civilians across several states, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures nationwide.
