As the second round of protests planned for October 1st 2024 begins in Lagos and Abuja on Tuesday morning, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government to ensure that it protects people’s right to peaceful assembly and association.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the appeal in a press conference organised to address Nigerians on issues concerning their rights ahead of the planned protest.
He said protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfaction and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.
While stating that the State has obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies, Ojukwu called for the protection of journalists and media personnel from harassment, adding that they should be allowed to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government.
The executive secretary warned that if there should be any arrest or detentions by state actors, it should be carried out by the law and not because they merely want to deal with the people.
The human rights boss called on the protesters to exercise their rights within the ambit of the law and respect the rights of others.
Ojukwu, while underscoring the need for all parties concerned in the protest adhere to law, stressed that his Commission will monitor the protests across Nigeria and ensure that state and non-state actors violating the right to protest are brought to book.