Press Release
ANEEJ Endorses Hardship Protest, wants Protesters to Focus on Issues, not Violence

ANEEJ Endorses Hardship Protest, wants Protesters to Focus on Issues, not Violence

BENIN-CITY, NIGERIA. July 31, 2024… Given thebiting effects of economic hardship which has precipitated hunger, starvation, and suffering amongst ordinary Nigerians, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has endorsed the planned nationwide protest beginning tomorrow, describing it as a necessary move to draw government’s attention to the untold hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira.

The Executive Director of ANEEJ, David Ugolor, in a statement released to newsmen described the current situation in the country as unbearable and urged the government to do the needful to improve governance and alleviate the plight of suffering Nigerians, to save the country from imminent collapse, emphasizing the critical role of such demonstrations in reinforcing democracy and improving governance.

“We wholeheartedly endorse the planned protest as a constitutional right of our people to ventilate their grievances and raise their voices against bad governance. We however urge protesters to avoid violence, looting and destruction of property. The focus should be on the key issues and the National demands.” Ugolor asserted.

“We are aware of the last minute’s effort by the government to prevent the protest including the signing into law of the amended National Minimum Wage Act, trucks of rice already dispatched to all the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the Student Loans Fund launched recently by the president. These measures are not sufficient to assuage Nigerians, and the government needs to cut down on wastage and cost of governance. The leaders must lead by example by reducing the profligacy being showcased by the current political leaders.” Ugolor Added.

Continuing, he noted that “protesting is not just a right; it is a powerful tool for societal change,” Ugolor stated. “It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and actively participate in the democratic process. This right is enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Ugolor further stated  that protests are vital for citizens to express their dissatisfaction and demand better governance. “Protests are needed to strengthen governance and democracy,” he stated, highlighting the necessity for people to have a platform to voice their concerns without resorting to violence. Drawing parallels with global movements, he emphasized how protests have historically led to significant positive changes.

Addressing concerns from those opposing the protest, particularly pro-establishment figures, Ugolor noted that many traditional and religious leaders, benefiting from the current government, are busy discouraging the youth from participating. He argued that these leaders use their influence to maintain the status quo, rather than calling on the politicians to end the hardship and ultimately hindering progress. “Protests are not about destruction,” Reverend Ugolor asserted. “They are about sending a strong message to the government that it is our legitimate right to express dissatisfaction on  how the economy is badly managed.”

He condemned any form of violence, including state-sponsored violence, advocating instead for peaceful demonstrations that focus on critical issues such as unemployment, corruption, and economic mismanagement.

Ugolor highlighted specific grievances fueling the protest, to include:  alarming and unabated inflation in food prices, unemployment rates, questionable management of oil importation spanning several decades, insecurity and widespread corruption. He pointed out that the government’s failure to address these issues adequately has left many Nigerians struggling to afford basic necessities like food. He called on the government to respond constructively to the protest by implementing policies that address the protesters’ concerns. “The only way for the government to address this is to respond to the issues that the protesters are raising,” he emphasized.

ANEEJ urges all participants in the “#EndHunger” and “#EndBadGovernance” protests to remain peaceful and focus on the core issues and national demands, which include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform. “While the right to protest is fundamental, it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly,” Ugolor emphasized. “Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest, or threaten public safety.”

“Every protest is a testament to the democratic spirit and the will of the people to shape a just and accountable society,” Ugolor maintained. “Suppressing demonstrations through unjust legal actions is counterproductive and undermines the very essence of democracy.”

ANEEJ reaffirms its commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stands in solidarity with those exercising their right to peaceful protest. “We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society. Let us remember that our voices, united and peaceful, are stronger than any force that seeks to suppress them,” Ugolor concluded. “As the saying goes, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ Let us use our voices to write a brighter future for Nigeria.”

For further information, please contact 08187674339 or info@aneej.org and follow us on X, Instagram and facebook: @aneejnigria,@Latakpu, aneej__nigeria and facebook.com/aneejnigeria

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