A Non-governmental organization (NGO), Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners west Africa Nigeria, PWAN, has urged law enforcement agents and other stakeholders to respect human rights
By Chimezie Godfrey
A Non-governmental organization (NGO), Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners west Africa Nigeria, PWAN, has urged law enforcement agents and other stakeholders to respect human rights.
In a statement, the Executive Director of the NGO, Kemi Okenyodo restated their firm believe in the rule of law and promotion of citizens’ security.
He said,”As a non-partisan and non-governmental organization committed to enhancing citizen participation and improving security governance in Nigeria and West Africa, we have closely engaged with communities across the region. The current wave of public discontent is not lost on us. As Nigerians consider whether to take to the streets to amplify their voices, and as the government seeks to manage or mitigate these protests, we issue this press release with the hope that Nigeria, as a nation, will emerge stronger.
“On May 29, 2023, Nigeria welcomed a new democratically elected president. However, like previous administrations, the new regime implemented a significant economic policy: the abrupt removal of the fuel subsidy. This policy change has led to a sharp rise in inflation, drastically increasing the cost of living for the average Nigerian. As public outcry for a policy reversal grows, citizens have begun a nationwide protest, which began yesterday, August 1st, 2024.
“It is important to note that such public demonstrations are not new to Nigeria, evoking memories of past movements like the Occupy Nigeria protest and the EndSARS demonstrations.
“At PWAN, we firmly believe in the rule of law and advocate for the promotion of citizens’ security. While peaceful protests can sometimes be misappropriated or hijacked if not carefully managed—leading to government hesitance—it is crucial to acknowledge that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“This right is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supported by various international declarations and treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Exercising this right responsibly, with strict adherence to established regulations, is essential to ensuring that protests remain non-violent and constructive.
“We call upon all Nigerians and law enforcement agencies to uphold human rights and prioritize the protection of life and property during these protests. Respect for human life, dignity, and the rule of law must guide our actions.”
Okenyodo stressed that citizens have the right to gather peacefully and express their opinions, while the government has the responsibility to protect and facilitate these rights without undue interference, except in cases of genuine threats to the rights and safety of others.
“In this context, PWAN advocates for a non-violent approach to protests, emphasizing the need to respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“To ensure the safety and dignity of all participants during protests, we urge the government to take measures that respect and protect citizens’ constitutional rights, allowing them to engage in peaceful protests without fear of repression or intimidation.
“Any attempt by the government to dissuade citizens through coercive means, including leveraging traditional institutions, will only exacerbate tensions and erode public trust.”
He added,”We recommend that authorities engage openly with protest organizers to facilitate peaceful gatherings, specifying designated protest areas and necessary permits.
“This will go a long way in maintaining control over the situation and identifying any groups that may seek to exploit the peaceful protests for unlawful activities.
“While protests can be unpredictable and violent outbursts may occur, we implore law enforcement agents to prioritize non-lethal crowd control measures, avoiding excessive force that could lead to injuries or fatalities. We do not wish to see a repeat of the EndSARS situation,” he said.
He also encouraged the government to foster dialogue with protest organizers to address the underlying issues.
“Creating a platform for peaceful discussion and resolution will demonstrate to Nigerian citizens that their concerns are heard and will be addressed.
“Governance cannot exist without the people. Therefore, adequate medical personnel and facilities should be on-site during protests to provide immediate care for any injuries. This will reassure citizens that their welfare is of paramount importance to the authorities.
“As a Civil Society Organization, we are confident that independent oversight mechanisms will be established by civil and human rights groups to monitor the actions of all the critical actors including the law enforcement and security personnel during protests and them accountable for any misconduct.
“It is essential that all protest observers, including CSOs, are respected and protected,” he said.
Okenyodo noted that while protests are not the preferred path for either the government or the citizens, when they become inevitable, “we at PWAN hope that by implementing these measures, the government can create a safer environment for protests, demonstrating its commitment to upholding human rights while maintaining public order”.
