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An Abuja-based human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, Esq. has called on the Attorney General of the federation and the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to safeguard the right to peaceful protest in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of protecting dissent in a democratic society.
The letter, titled “The Imperative to Uphold the Right to Peaceful Protest and Refrain from Criminalizing Dissent in Nigeria,” was addressed to the Attorney General and expressed grave concerns about the recent actions taken by the Nigerian government, which appear to criminalize peaceful protesters under the guise of maintaining public order.
Olajengbesi began by acknowledging the Attorney General’s significant contributions to advancing legal justice in Nigeria, particularly noting his role in securing the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed local government autonomy.
However, the lawyer expressed deep unease over the government’s decision to charge #EndBadGovernance protesters with treasonable felony, a charge that carries severe penalties under Section 410 of the Penal Code Act.
“The right to peaceful assembly and protest is a bedrock of any democratic society, enshrined in our Constitution and safeguarded by international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.
“To criminalize citizens for exercising their legitimate right to dissent through peaceful protest not only constitutes a breach of these legal protections but also tarnishes Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.”
The letter also highlighted the government’s decision to declare a British citizen wanted for endorsing a protest, labeling it as an example of the administration’s disproportionate and misguided approach to civic engagement.
Olajengbesi also urged the Attorney General to provide the necessary legal direction to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
“While there may be facts and intelligence available to the government that are not in the public domain, the charges brought forward strongly suggest a deliberate stance of hostility towards dissenting voices. This approach is counterproductive and inimical to the ideals of democracy and free expression,” he added.
Olajengbesi concluded by appealing to the Attorney General to ensure the immediate rescinding of charges against the arrested protesters and their prompt release, asserting that punitive actions against individuals exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights would undermine Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
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