ANEEJ Calls for Immediate Release of all Detained Peaceful Protesters
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. August 19, 2024… The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has condemned the unlawful detention of peaceful protesters who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests across the country and has called on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to immediately release all detainees, many of whom have been held in police custody for over 24-48 hours without being charged with any crime in direct contravention with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
In a statement released in Benin City today, the Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, expressed deep concern over the action of the security agencies particularly the Nigeria Police Force, which he described as a clear violation of the Constitution. He emphasized that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in in Chapter IV, Sections 35 and 40 of the Constitution, must be respected by all state actors including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rev Ugolor clarified that ANEEJ’s call was not for persons who were calling for regime change. “Our call does not cover those who came out to ask for military take over and regime change. Our call is for peaceful protesters who came out to protest against bad governance in the country.”
“The prolonged detention of these protesters without charge is a direct contravention to the democratic principles upon which Nigeria is built,” Ugolor stated. “Section 35(1,4,6) of the Constitution clearly mandates that any individual arrested must be brought before a court within 24-48 hours. By flouting this mandate, the Nigerian Police Force is not only violating the law but also eroding public trust in our justice system.”
Ugolor urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, effects the immediate release of all detained protesters. He reminded the public of President Tinubu’s own history of engaging in protests during his opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration—a period during which he exercised his constitutional rights without facing unlawful detention.
“President Tinubu’s past involvement in protests should serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting citizens’ rights to protest and peaceful assembly. Now, as President, he has a duty to ensure that the Nigerian Police Force upholds these rights by releasing all detained peaceful protesters without further delay,” Ugolor added.
ANEEJ also highlighted the broader implications of this issue, warning that the ongoing repression of dissent could set a dangerous precedence for the future. The organization called on the Nigerian government to respect national and international human rights standards, which Nigeria is obligated to uphold as a signatory to various treaties.
“The right to peaceful protest is essential to any functioning democracy. Criminalizing lawful demonstrations only serves to erode civil liberties and stifle public discourse. We call for the immediate release of all detained protesters and urge the Nigerian government to respect and protect the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution,” Ugolor concluded.
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