Ahead of the hardship protest planned to happen from the 1st of August, 2024, an advocacy group has asked security agents to be professional in their conduct in handling the situation and refrain from clamping down on the protesters.
The proposed protest has been gathering momentum across the country, but many have feared that there may be clampdown on protesters, considering the federal government’s strong opposition to the protest.
A group under the umbrella of the Youth Advocacy for Peace Justice and Empowerment Network (YAPJEN) in a statement on Sunday, emphasized the need for absolute respect for the fundamental human rights of Nigerians during and after the protest.
According to the group’s Director of Communications, Comrade Benedict Chidobem, security agents should also ensure the protection of the lives of the protesters from hoodlums and hijackers of the protest.
“The right to peaceful protest is a right the people have and should explore, when they think things are not going the way they should.
“The right is also enshrined under several international treaties and declarations including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and above all, the 1999 constitution as amended, under Sections 39 and 40.
“The only way to avert this kind of protest is for government to take drastic steps to resolve the hunger crises ravaging majority of the homes in Nigeria. With that, there will be no need for this protest.
“But, unfortunately, most Nigerians find it extremely difficult to afford a square meal as a result of the high cost of food and other basic commodities. The price of petroleum, transportation and the general cost of living has skyrocketed, making life in Nigeria unbearable,” he regretted.
Comrade Chidobem, who harped on the need to allow people vent their grievances through protest, called on the security agents to employ measures that would prevent a re occurrence of the unfortunate incidents during the ENDSARS protest.
According to him, clamping down on the protesters would be anti-democracy and tantamount to suppression.
“It is unfortunate that protests in the past have been hijacked, due to the failure of security agencies.
”There is no doubt that hoodlums may want to take advantage of the protest to cause mayhem or perpetrate some criminal activities. But, that is where the security agents must come in.
“Remember, no Nigerian is immune to the hardship ravaging the land, not even the security agents. So, they should provide the needed support to enable the people drive home their point, without causing any havoc.
“It is only practical steps to end this hunger crises in the country by the Federal Government, that can stop this proposed protest,” he posited.
