NHRC Reaffirms Nigerians’ Right to Peaceful Protest Amidst Upcoming Demonstrations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Nigeria has reiterated the right of citizens to conduct peaceful protests. This announcement comes ahead of the planned protests scheduled for October 1, coinciding with Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary. Many citizens have organized these demonstrations as an extension of the 10-day hunger protest held across various states, including Abuja, in August.

At a press conference held at the NHRC headquarters, the Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly as fundamental to democratic values. “The right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting democracy and good governance,” Mr. Ojukwu stated. He underscored that protests are legitimate channels for expressing dissatisfaction and influencing governance and developmental outcomes.

Mr. Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, expressed concern over the recent treatment of protesters, referencing the August #EndBadGovernance protests, during which there were reports of arrests, harassment, and fatalities. He highlighted ongoing monitoring of proceedings involving those unlawfully detained by law enforcement agencies during these protests. “The NHRC notes with great concern the clampdown on protesters and the subsequent prosecutions following the August protests across Nigeria,” Ojukwu said.

The NHRC has released guidelines intended to avert similar incidents as those seen during the August protests. The commission vowed to oversee activities during the upcoming October 1 protests, ensuring accountability for both state and non-state actors infringing on the right to protest. “The NHRC will monitor the protests across Nigeria,” Ojukwu affirmed.

The August protests were marked by severe rights abuses, with law enforcement accused of violating the rights of both protesters and non-protesters. Reports indicate that the police and the State Security Services (SSS) engaged in harassment, arrests, and detentions, affecting many, including journalists and minors. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported assaults on 56 journalists during the demonstrations. Despite these events, calls for accountability by the NHRC have yet to be realized, with the police maintaining that their actions were professional.

The planned October 1 protest draws inspiration from grievances concerning economic hardship, governance issues, and controversial policies like subsidies removal and increased taxes. These protests are organized by multiple groups, including The Youth Rights Campaign and the Yoruba Revolutionary Movement, who are urging large-scale participation while demanding the release of detained protesters and an end to oppressive policies.