(SINL NIGERIA) Ahead of the October planned protest, slated to commence on Tuesday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has enjoined protesters to exercise their right to peaceful protest within the ambits of the law, be very civil and respect the rights of others.
Specifically, the commission counseled protesters to avoid violence, destruction of property, and harmful behaviour, saying this is detrimental to nation building.
The commission observed that the destruction caused may take fortune to regain which will be a great set back to the nation’s development.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
The statement titled: “Protect the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association” Statement of the NHRC on Planned Protests by Civil Society Groups on Nigeria’s Independence Day, Ojukwu said protesters should cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety by conducting themselves with highest sense of modesty and civility.
He added “Any use of force by law enforcement during protests must adhere strictly to principles of necessity and proportionality.
“Excessive use of force against protesters, including shooting or the deployment of tear gas is a violation of human rights and dignity”.
Highlighting the obligations of the government on the planned protest, NHRC boss called 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, including protecting them from counter-protesters and mobs”.
He continued “The State has obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies. This includes ensuring safety, providing necessary infrastructure, and taking measures to prevent disruptions from counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“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 and mechanism for holding the law enforcement and security agencies accountable for any abuses committed during protests” he said.
Ojukwu recalled that the NHRC had issued an advisory for the protection of the right to the Freedom of Association and Assembly on the 31st of july 2024.
“I urge all persons participating in protests in Nigeria especially at this time to adhere to the advisory for a peaceful and effective protests in Nigeria” he added.
He however emphasised that the NHRC will be monitoring the protests across Nigeria, “will ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protests and other associated human rights will be held accountable”.
