Respect October 1 protesters rights, NHRC urges security agents  

Deborah Musa, Abuja

Ahead of the planned October 1 protest, the National Human Rights Commission has called on protesters to ensure they exercise their rights within the ambits of the law.

Also, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), advised law enforcement agents to respect the rights of protesters to peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in the 1999 constitution and other regional and international instruments that Nigeria is party to.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Ojukwu, reading from an advisory titled “Protect the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association”, stressed that protests are vital for democracy and citizen engagement in governance.

He urged the federal and state governments to ensure that the October 1 protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner, while also protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs.

He said, “Government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures.

“Government must put in place effective Accountability Mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests. This includes investigating incidents where excessive force was used or where protesters were unlawfully detained.

“Government must deploy its apparatus for the protection of private and public properties as well as the lives of protesters and non-protesters before, during, and after the protests.”

Speaking further, Ojukwu said, “The NHRC notes with great concern, the clampdown of protesters and the subsequent criminal prosecutions following the August 2024 End Bad Governance Protests across parts of Nigeria.

“The August protests led to the loss of lives and public and private properties, but it is yet to be seen that there have been arrests and prosecution of law enforcement and security agents who were primarily responsible for these violations.

“The NHRC is concerned about the charges of treason that have been imposed on some of the protesters and have made this known in various forums. We will continue to monitor the situation and the trials”.

Addressing protesters, Ojukwu advised them to avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, noting that such acts are detrimental to nation-building.

He added that destruction caused may take a fortune to regain which will be a great setback to the development of the society.

He said “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil, and respect the rights of others.

“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.

“Refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.”