National Human Rights Commission Calls For Protection Of Peaceful Assembly .

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, SAN, emphasized that “Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfaction and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to uphold and protect the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly as the protest kicked on October 1st, 2024. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, SAN, emphasized that “Protests are legitimate means of voicing dissatisfaction and participating in shaping citizen-centred governance and development outcomes.”

He stressed the state’s obligation to ensure the safety of protesters and prevent disruptions. Ojukwu also called for the protection of journalists, stating that “they should be allowed to carry out their duties as the fourth arm of the government.”

He further warned that arrests or detentions during the protest must be lawful and not aimed at penalizing participants. Ojukwu urged protesters to remain peaceful, avoid violence, and respect others’ rights, assuring that the NHRC would monitor events to hold violators accountable.