Peaceful protest a fundamental pillar of democratic governance –CSOs

By Angel-Linda Ike

Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria said Nigerian youth have the right to embark on a peaceful protest to exercise their fundamental rights.

The group said that the Right to Peaceful Protest is a pillar of democratic governance as Constitutionally guaranteed.

Nigerian youth have set August 1, 2024, to begin a 10-day nationwide protest, themed: “End Bad Governance.”

In a statement issued by 37 civil society groups, they threw their weight behind the planned protest, saying it is a means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, demand accountability, and advocate for change.

“We, the undersigned civil society
organizations are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to
peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance.

“This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.

“Protesting is 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.

“Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and
ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people, the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations.” they stated.

The group however urged that the protest must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others, calling on law enforcement agencies to safeguard the protesters and arrest any saboteur among them.

“We urge all parties engaged, including protest organizers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritize safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement must 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 organizers 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.

“The demands include reducing 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.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.

“We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and
accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of
democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Signatories to the statement include:
Global Rights, 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Yiaga Africa,
Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID), among others.