Human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on Thursday strongly criticized security agents for provoking peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters across the country.
Statement from Adegboruwa
In a statement, Adegboruwa, who represents The Take It Back Movement, one of the organizers of the protests, warned that confrontations by security agents could escalate the protests.
He urged security personnel to act professionally and avoid actions that could lead to violence.
Adegboruwa praised Nigerians for their bravery in participating in the demonstrations despite threats and intimidation from authorities.
“Despite the threats, intimidation, and harassment by authorities of the ruling government and their security apparatus, the people came out in large numbers to speak against the suffering, hunger, and poverty imposed on them by the administration of President Tinubu,” he said.
Nature of the Protests
He noted that the protests have been largely peaceful, particularly in Lagos and Abuja. He attributed the pockets of skirmishes in some areas mainly to provocations by security agencies.
“Notwithstanding that, the protests were largely successful, well-coordinated, and on target,” Adegboruwa added.
Call for Professional Conduct
Adegboruwa appealed to security and law enforcement agencies to adhere to acceptable standards when handling civil protests to avoid bloodshed or loss of lives.
“The responsibility imposed upon all security agencies is to provide coverage for the peaceful protesters and to avoid all provocative actions that may escalate into uncomfortable fracas,” he emphasized.
Advice to Protest Organizers
He also urged the organizers of the protests to remain peaceful and refrain from actions that could lead to violence or a breakdown of law and order.
Adegboruwa called on the government to urgently identify and hold accountable any police or law enforcement officers found culpable of violating the rights of peaceful protesters, especially in areas where protesters were reported to have been wounded or shot.
Government’s Response
Adegboruwa criticized the federal and state governments for not engaging in meaningful dialogue with the protesters.
“By now, I expect that the federal and state governments would have set up the machinery for genuine and meaningful dialogue with the protesters, with a view to addressing the issues raised in their demands. It will be the height of leadership insensitivity for the governing to remain silent and pretend that all is well,” he stated.
Background of the Protests
The nationwide protests against economic hardship began on August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10.
The demonstrations, which have been widely propagated on social media, are a response to soaring food prices, basic commodities, and one of the worst inflation rates in Nigeria’s history. These economic crises have been exacerbated by the government’s twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and the unification of forex windows.
Concerns Over Potential Violence
The police, military, and Department of State Services had warned against Kenya-styled protests, with politicians urging youths to cancel the rallies, fearing a repeat of the EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020. Despite these warnings, the young protesters have remained determined.
As the protests continue, the call for professional conduct by security forces and meaningful dialogue from the government remains crucial to prevent further escalation and ensure a peaceful resolution.