As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest enters day 5, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu has again condemned the continuous violation of the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and the press and other associated rights by law enforcement agencies.
Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) insisted that the recent dispersal of protesters and journalists using excessive force, resulting in injuries of several persons was unacceptable and a clear infringement on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
His position against the use of brutal force against peaceful protest was contained in a press statement issued on his behalf by Mr Obinna Nwakonye, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages.
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 rights to carry out their constitutional duties as the watchdog of the society without fear or intimidation
According to him, those rights were 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 rule of engagement and adhere to international standards on policing protests.
“We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable.
“At the NHRC, we will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NHRC has called on well meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of the violation of rights of protesters or of law enforcement agents or of the media or of innocent citizens, to notify the commission through the appropriate channels of communication.
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