The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for evidence of human rights abuses perpetrated against any Nigerian, including journalists and even law enforcement officers, during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests for investigation and necessary action to be taken.
NHRC Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu made the call on Monday as he deplored the use of force to disperse protesters during the protest, which began on August 1.
An NHRC statement said Mr Ojukwu described the law enforcement officers' attitude as a “violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians”.
He also called on law enforcement agencies to “respect the rules of engagement and adhere to international standards on policing protests.”
“We at the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria,” Mr. Ojukwu said.
“Meanwhile, the NHRC calls on all well-meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of violation of rights of protesters or law enforcement agents or media persons or innocent citizens to call the NHRC toll-free number 6472 or forward the information or evidence to the following addresses,” the statement read.
The other channels provided by the NHRC for submitting such evidence of rights abuses are infor@nigeriarights.org, the physical address of the Executive Secretary of the commission at No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, Facebook username: NhrcNigeriaonline and X username: @NhrcNigeria.
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On July 31, the eve of the protests, the NHRC issued a protest notice to the government, law enforcement agencies and citizens to ensure that the protests proceeded smoothly.
The commission also expressed its commitment to monitoring the protests and warned security agents against harassing protesters.
#EndBadGovernance: How police attacked peaceful protesters in Abuja
However, despite the warning, the #EndBadGovernance protest which started peacefully in some states, turned violent in some states where looting of shops and killing of citizens were reported. In states like Borno, Kano and Kaduna, state governments declared a curfew to curtail violence. Police arrested, harassed and gassed journalists and peaceful protesters during the protests. On Saturday, State Security Service (SSS) operatives shot journalists at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the NHRC issued a press statement condemning the act of violence on the second day of the protests. In the statement, the commission issued an ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police to investigate and sanction his officers who harassed the journalists. The #EndBadGovernance protest began on August 1, demanding drastic action from President Bola Tinubu to address hardship, rising cost of living and general poor governance in the country.
The protesters have demanded the reversal of policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies. They also called for reducing the cost of governance to reduce the waste of scarce public funds. They are also aggrieved by the lack of sensitivity of public officials accused of feeding themselves with public funds while urging the rest of the citizens to tighten their belts to deal with the consequences of Tinubu’s economic policies.
President Tinubu addressed Nigerians on Sunday, calling on protesters to suspend their demonstrations and instead embrace dialogue. Mr. Tinubu also listed his administration’s efforts to address economic challenges.
Read the full statement here.
#ENDMISGOVERNANCE PROTEST: NHRC CONDEMNS CONTINUED USE OF FORCE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest enters its fifth day, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has again condemned the continued violation of the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and press, as well as other associated rights by law enforcement agencies. According to him, the recent dispersal of protesters and journalists using excessive force, resulting in injuries to several persons, is unacceptable and a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
The NHRC boss said citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and express their grievances as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other international human rights instruments that Nigeria has signed and ratified.
Speaking further, Ojukwu said journalists also have the right to carry out their constitutional duties as guardians of society without fear or intimidation.
According to him, these rights are essential for a democratic society and must be respected and protected by law enforcement agencies.
The country's Director General of Human Rights urged law enforcement agencies to respect the rules of engagement and adhere to international standards on policing protests.
“We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the perpetrators accountable.” He assured that “we at the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.”
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Meanwhile, the NHRC calls on all well-meaning Nigerians with credible evidence or information of violation of the rights of protesters, law enforcement agents, media persons or innocent citizens to call the NHRC toll-free number 6472 or send the information or evidence to the following addresses:
1. infor@nigeriarights.org2. The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja.3. Facebook: NhrcNigeriaonline4. X: @NhrcNigeria5. Call toll free: 6472Obinna NwakonyeDirector, Corporate Affairs and External Engagements.