According to a press statement released by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, it says the right to protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
Some civil society organisations have urged the Nigerian judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from the planned protest from August 1, 2024.
According to a press statement released by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, it says the right to protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
Since the announcement of a possible protest by different civil organisation, groups and Nigerians, it has steered emotive sentiments from all stakeholders sparking rumours of security forces clampdown on agitations.
The CSOs noted that protest remains a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
The statement read in part: "While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others.
"Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.
"Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive. Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately.
"Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.
"We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests," it said.
The protest which is scheduled to begin from August 1 to 10, is demanding the reduction in the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy among several others.