Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has praised Nigerians for their bravery and determination amid the ongoing protests. He observed that even those unable to join street demonstrations showed support through civil disobedience, with many opting to stay at home.
Adegboruwa has urged Nigerians to maintain their support and solidarity for peaceful protests as a crucial step towards ending hunger, hardship, and poor governance inflicted by elected officials.
In a statement released on Thursday, Adegboruwa emphasized the resilience of a united people, asserting that collective action would overcome “even the most formidable obstacles, including suppression, threats, intimidation, and harassment perpetrated by the ruling government and its security agencies.”
He said, “On August 1, 2024, Nigerians from all walks of life, people from across every divide, North and South, East and West, Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists, all trooped out in response to the call for protests to #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria.
“Despite the threats, intimidation and harassment by authorities of the ruling government and their security apparatus, the people came out in their large numbers to speak against the suffering, hunger and poverty imposed on them by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.”
The legal expert praised Nigerians for their bravery and determination, noting that even those who couldn’t participate in street protests showed support through civil disobedience, with many opting to stay at home. He highlighted the significant show of solidarity, with numerous offices and markets closed and streets largely deserted.
Assessing the protests against worsening hunger and misgovernance, Adegboruwa observed that the protesters had remained largely peaceful, particularly in major cities like Lagos and Abuja. However, he acknowledged isolated incidents of violence in some areas, attributing these to the provocative actions of security forces. “Notwithstanding that, the protests were largely successful, well coordinated, and on target.
“I commend the organizers of the protests for their maturity and peaceful management of the events. I also commend the press for being alert to their responsibilities to cover the events and to give accurate reporting to the people. This should continue.”
Adegboruwa appealed to all security and law enforcement agencies to follow acceptable standards of handling civil protests, avoiding bloodshed or loss of lives. He reminded them that their responsibility is to provide coverage for peaceful protesters and avoid actions that could escalate into violence.
He also appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and all Governors who had procured various court orders to frustrate the peaceful protests, to provide transportation by way of mass transit buses to assist citizens in exercising their fundamental rights.
“In addition, the government should urgently identify and hold accountable any police or law enforcement officer found culpable in violating the rights of peaceful protesters, especially in locations where protesters were wounded or shot dead.
“I urge the organizers of the nationwide protests to continue in the same peaceful manner that we have all witnessed today and to refrain from actions that may lead to violence or a breakdown of law and order.”
Adegboruwa advised the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to engage in dialogue with Nigerians over their concerns and demands. “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.”