As the #EndBadGovernance protest continues, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has again condemned the continuous violation of the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression, and the 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 people, is unacceptable and a clear infringement on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
In a statement by the Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the NHRC, Obinna Nwakonye, the NHRC boss said citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and to express their grievances as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other international human rights instruments Nigeria has signed and ratified.
Speaking further, Ojukwu said journalists also have the right to carry out their constitutional duties as the watchdogs of society without fear or intimidation.
According to him, these rights are essential to a democratic society and should be respected and protected by law enforcement agencies.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country urged law enforcement agencies to respect the rules of engagement and adhere to international standards for policing protests.
“We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said, and he assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.
“In the meantime, the NHRC is calling on all well-meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of the violation of the rights of protesters, law enforcement agents, the media, or innocent citizens to call the NHRC toll-free number 6472 or send the information or evidence to [email protected], the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Facebook: NhrcNigeriaonline, Twitter: @NhrcNigeria, or call toll-free numbers: 6472.”
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