NHRC Issues Advisory Ahead of #EndBadGovernance Protest
Today, Thursday, August 1, 2024, is the national launch day for the #EndBadGovernsnce protest. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent out a warning to the main participants in the exercise, which includes the Nigerian government, security services, and organizers.
Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the NHRC's Executive Secretary, released the advisory late on Wednesday night in Abuja. He stated that the action was in accordance with the Commission's mandate, which is outlined in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m), and (o) of its enabling Act.
The "hunger protest," which is scheduled to last for ten days, from August 1 to August 10, is continuing despite strong attempts to stop it by President Bola Tinubu, governors, the National Assembly's leadership, chiefs of security agencies, and other powerful Nigerians.
The "hunger protest," which is scheduled to last for ten days, from August 1 to August 10, is continuing despite strong attempts to stop it by President Bola Tinubu, governors, the National Assembly's leadership, chiefs of security agencies, and other powerful Nigerians.
On Wednesday, activist Omoyele Sowore, one of the organizers, refuted rumors that the demonstration had been canceled.
Nigerians are worried that thugs may take over the rally and turn it into a violent, bloody incident.
Additionally, there are worries that the demonstrators would run afoul of security personnel and pro-government groups who have already begun staging anti-protest demonstrations.
In its advisory, the NHRC did, however, suggest actions that the government, security services, and the demonstration organizers should do to guarantee the protest remains peaceful.
A portion of the warning stated, “The National Human Rights Commission, in exercise of its mandate in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act makes the following recommendations:
Nigerians are worried that thugs may take over the rally and turn it into a violent, bloody incident.
Additionally, there are worries that the demonstrators would run afoul of security personnel and pro-government groups who have already begun staging anti-protest demonstrations.
In its advisory, the NHRC did, however, suggest actions that the government, security services, and the demonstration organizers should do to guarantee the protest remains peaceful.
A portion of the warning stated, “The National Human Rights Commission, in exercise of its mandate in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act makes the following recommendations:
“Obligations of the Federal and State Governments
“The NHRC urges the Federal and State Government to uphold the Fundamental Human Rights and the Fundamental Objectives of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Federal and State Governments have obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies by ensuring full protection of protest assemblies.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that protests are not disrupted by opposing third parties, counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that initial approaches to emerging violence by protesters or counter-protesters does not immediately lead to the use of deadly force and all measures to preserve human lives shall be ensured in accordance with international best practices.”
The Nigerian Police, along with other law enforcement, security, and armed forces, have certain obligations:“On the use of force: Abide by the recommendations of the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
“This principle specifies that ‘law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty,’ that the use of force should be exceptional, and that ‘the use of firearms is considered an extreme measure’.
“It also states that ‘no law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.
“Law enforcement and security agencies shall respect the rights of protesters, including the right to peaceful assemblies to convene assemblies and to voice their opinions.
“Provide and protect traffic routes for protesters and non-protesters to ensure the right to freedom of movement is enjoyed by all parties.
“Provide protection for public and private properties from protesters or counter-protesters.
“Ensure a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into any incidents of human rights violations during the protest.
“Obligations of the Protest Leaders:
“Ensure that the protest is peaceful and avoid provocative actions such as carrying arms, hate speeches, attacks on law enforcement and security agencies or looting of public and private properties
“Ensure that the protest remains peaceful and law-abiding. Violence and destruction of property will undermine the legitimacy of the protest.
“While the right to protest is guaranteed, the protection of critical infrastructure is also essential. Cooperate with law enforcement to ensure peaceful protests and apprehension of offenders.”
The NHRC further emphasised that it is possible to resolve the demonstrators' complaints while upholding public order through communication, respect for human rights, and obedience to the law.
In a similar spirit, the Commission urged all stakeholders to refrain from taking any measures that may jeopardise public safety, inflict harm on private or public property, or threaten Nigeria's democracy.
After reading the advise, Ojukwu revealed that the NHRC will use its protective and promotional mandates to keep an eye on all protests in Nigeria and make sure that both state and non-state actors are abiding by human rights norms.
In a similar spirit, the Commission urged all stakeholders to refrain from taking any measures that may jeopardise public safety, inflict harm on private or public property, or threaten Nigeria's democracy.
After reading the advise, Ojukwu revealed that the NHRC will use its protective and promotional mandates to keep an eye on all protests in Nigeria and make sure that both state and non-state actors are abiding by human rights norms.
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