The RULAAC boss described it as unfortunate that the government which had not been able to decimate terrorists and bandits who have been attacking, kidnapping and killing Nigerians across the country.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, has decried the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government’s suppression of Nigerians’ fundamental rights and freedom.
Nwaguma, who on Monday expressed deep concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, said that rather than taking serious action in tackling the growing daily kidnappings and killings in the country, the Nigerian government was busy introducing repressive legislations against Nigerians.
The RULAAC boss described it as unfortunate that the government which had not been able to decimate terrorists and bandits who have been attacking, kidnapping and killing Nigerians across the country unleashed forces on peaceful protesters who were expressing their pains of hunger and hardship, and accusing the protesters of plotting to change the government.
Nwaguma said, “The situation in Nigeria is undoubtedly concerning, with daily reports of abductions, kidnappings for ransom, and attacks and killings by bandits across various parts of the country.
“The root causes of these security challenges are multifaceted and complex, with issues such as poverty, corruption, and a sense of injustice contributing to widespread frustration and anger among citizens.
“Unfortunately, the response of the government to peaceful protests and riots has been limited, with accusations of plotting to change the government attempting to silence dissent and suppress the freedom of expression.”
According to him, “The introduction of repressive legislation has also raised concerns about the government's commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“There are no indications that the government at state and federal levels have the will or capacity to address the root causes of these security challenges, strengthen institutions, and build a more prosperous and peaceful future for all its citizens.
“It is important for the government to be transparent and accountable while respecting human rights and promoting the rule of law to restore the trust of the people.”
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Nigerian government on Monday deployed armed security agents including personnel of the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services (DSS) to the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja following the plan by Take-It-Back Movement to occupy the premises.
TIB Movement, a human rights and pro-democracy organization, on Sunday, called for a solidarity gathering at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday to demand the immediate release of #EndBadGovernance protesters who are facing charges.
In a statement released via their X account, it announced that its members would occupy the court premises starting at 7am to show support for the detained protesters.
The group extended an invitation to the general public to join the gathering and stand in solidarity with the cause.
Some of the protest leaders still in detention are Michael Adaramoye, also known as Micheal Lenin; Mosiu Sodiq, Angel, and Opaoluwa, who were arrested for participating in the protests and demanding good governance and an end to hunger.
The activists were to be arraigned in court on Monday but their lawyers were not informed, SaharaReporters learnt.
At the court on Monday, SaharaReporters observed that no fewer than 30 Hilux security vehicles and five military Armoured Personnel Carriers were stationed around the court premises to prevent other activists planning to throng the court in solidarity from getting close to the area.
Heavy security presence was evident around the court, with officers in both uniform and plainclothes deployed to key locations inside and outside the premises, in anticipation of the trial.
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