By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) Ahead of the October 1, 2024 planned peotests by civil society organisations in Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the protesters to stay within the ambition of the law while protesting in order to respect the rights of others.
Also the Commission advices the government in all levels to ensure safety of the protesters, provide necessary infrastructure, whike taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN) made this passionate appeal to both the government and protesters on Monday in Abuja whike addressing a world press conference.
NHRC‘s boss said, “The National Human Rights Commission acting under section 5, paragraphs (m) and (o) of the NHRC (Amendment) Act of 2010 is today making this statement to restate the law and principles for the enjoyment and protection of the right to peaceful assembly and association. This is coming following the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests and the second round of protests planned for October 1st 2024.
“The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at national level. In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.”
“Furthermore, article 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) provides that “Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others.”
Ojukwu noted that the Commission acting under section 5, paragraphs (m) and (o) of the NHRC (Amendment) Act of 2010 is today (Monday) making this statement to restate the law and principles for the enjoyment and protection of the right to peaceful assembly and association. This is coming following the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests and the second round of protests planned for October 1st 2024.
According to him, right to peaceful assembly is the cornerstone stone of our liberty and an essential instrument for promoting the values of democracy and good governance. Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfactions and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.
He said that, government should provide adequate protection for protesters against violence or intimidation as well as facilitate peaceful assemblies through appropriate measures, while insisting that the government must put in place effective accountability mechanisms for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests.
Notwithstanding, the ES said the NHRC noted 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 he said led to 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.
Also, he said, “ 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.
We call on the federal and state government to ensure that the October protests are peaceful and that the protesters are given the necessary support and leverage to conduct themselves in civilized manner.
NHRC also charged the security agencies 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 a Party to.
“Avoid excessive force and ensure proportionate response to situations, do no harm and do not force the protesters to react in a manner that is riotious.
“Protect journalists and media personnel from harassment, allow them to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government and as enshrined in the constitution
“Facilitate dialogue between protesters and relevant stakeholders, this will rather assist you in discharging your role seamlessly, do not look at them as your enemies.
“Ensure that arrests and detentions are carried out in accordance with the law and not because you merely want to deal with people.
“Provide necessary assistance and support to vulnerable individuals, do not overlook any opportunity to render help,” he said.
The NHRC charged the protesters to, “Exercise your right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
“ Avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, this is detrimental to nation building, the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to our development.
“Cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting yourselves with highest sense of modesty and civility and refrain from hate speech and divisive rhetoric, abusive words and foul language.
“Respect the rights of others, including those who may hold differing opinions, that is the beauty of democracy and ensure that your actions do not infringe on the rights of non-protesters, as everybody must not be on the street protesting,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ojukwu has assured that the Commission will monitor the protests to ensure compliance with human rights standards just like they did during the last protest.
Core Reporters report that the Commission is ready to Investigate allegations of human rights violations, which is a continuum for tgem in this Commission.
According to him, “we will provide guidance on human rights principles to stakeholders, exactly what we are doing now. Document and report on human rights concerns as well as make recommendations to appropriate authorities,”he concluded.
