A year ago, we came together as young people of Nigeria to express our displeasure over the recurring torture, inhumane and degrading punishment meted on citizens by the law enforcement agency called SARS- Special Anti-Robbery Squad as well as other vices inhibiting the country’s political and economic development. It is no shocker that what we fought for the last 365 days still remains unabated and has recently gained more momentum. A look at the videos displayed in 2020 and today would make you sober and have a lasting re-think of the decisions made by the Nigerian leaders. The right to protest peacefully and the right to dignity are fundamental human rights that have been eroded by these officials. These rights are provided for in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended. Under section 40 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), every person is entitled to assemble freely and associate with others. Section 45 permits these rights to be restricted in the interests of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health, or to protect the rights or freedom of others. Section 34, adopted in 1999, and amended in 2010, included the following provisions:
“Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly – (a) no person shall be subject to torture or to inhumane or degrading treatment; (b) no person shall he held in slavery or servitude; and (c) no person shall be required to perform forced of compulsory labor.” Internationally, the right to assembly is guaranteed as Nigeria is a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 1966 (Article 21), Nigeria is also a state party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 11). Juxtaposing the above sections to the situation that played out a year ago and today, it is glaring that these laws are intentionally contravened by the Law enforcement agencies and the rights of peaceful protesters were infringed upon without caution. They were arrested and charged on the grounds of trying to destabilize the country, protestors ran for their lives as the officials throw teargas, the use of pepper spray on an individual was an eyesore. These are grounds that have a shaky foundation as peaceful protest against injustices cannot be construed as moves to destabilize the country. While it is the duty of the Government and its agencies to protect its citizenry, it should be done in a way that the rule of law would be seen to have been followed.
In recent times, insecurity has become a mind burgling issue. However, peaceful protests can not be seen as a method that brings disorder to the public. The Government should allow for intentional facilitation of meeting with the youths and listening to the concerns that have been raised. Ignoring these concerns and clamping down on the rights of citizens only serves to highlight these issues and bring the government of the day in a bad light. It is our concerted efforts to see a country where we are loved, respected, and celebrated. May the labor of our fallen heroes whose lives we commiserate today never be futile.
