Don’t Undermine Citizens Right To Peaceful Protest, CDD Tells FG

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

Abuja | 30 July 2024

Don’t Undermine Citizens Right To Peaceful Protest, CDD Tells FG

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) notes with concern the threats and other overhanded responses to the planned nationwide protests across Nigeria. This think tank calls on the Nigerian government to respect citizens' right to peaceful assembly. By upholding citizens' right to protest, the government can ensure a peaceful two-way exchange by listening to the voices of, and feedback from citizens.

There can be no mistaking the fact that every democratic State must have the mechanisms to take criticism or complaints from its citizens. It is why avenues, such as peaceful protests, are important to ensure that the government is made aware of the considerable concerns that citizens have about the country. CDD reaffirms that a fundamental principle of democracy is the right to protest - and this is a legitimate and democratic right of the citizens of any country. It is one of the vital mechanisms for expressing dissent, voicing concerns, and advocating for change. In an ideal democratic setting, the voices of the people should be heard, and their grievances must be subsequently addressed.

CDD however notes with worry that several government leaders and political figures have sought to discourage peaceful protests and associate the movements spearheading the move with negative connotations. It is disheartening to see many leaders seeking to further shrink the civic space by calling on young Nigerians not to make their voices heard. This approach of demonising protests undermines the constitutionally-guaranteed right to peaceful assembly and could lead to increased civic disengagement and increasing citizen apathy. It is the absence of a strong two-way exchange, between leaders and citizens, that leads to a breakdown in law and order. The Nigerian State therefore has a responsibility, as the region’s largest democracy and the current chair of the regional bloc, to set an example of robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement. 

While noting the right to protest, we also call on leaders of the various activist groups and movements going out to protest, to ensure that these structures are well-planned and coordinated. Civic disobedience and unrest are wrong messages to send when seeking to communicate a clear message with the government on how best to move the country forward. We also call on security agencies and relevant authorities to provide safe support for these citizens and assist in weeding out potential disruptive elements seeking to turn peaceful protests into unnecessary vehicles of violence. The rights of protesters must be protected and respected as stated in the laws of the land. 

Finally, it is pertinent to remind all citizens that the efforts to effectively and sustainably address the myriad of challenges facing the country cannot be in the form of a sprint. Rebuilding Nigeria, and rescuing it from the brink, requires concerted civic participation and engagement. Peacefully, Nigerians should speak collectively and play their roles decisively as citizens. The long-suffering people of this country must be ready to hold their leaders accountable and scrutinize policies. In these efforts, CDD reaffirms its readiness to provide the necessary platforms to foster dialogue and robust citizens participation. CDD hopes that with the right interventions, that this difficult period will soon be a thing of the past.

 Dr. Dauda Garuba

Director,

CDD-West Africa