Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, has emphasized that while protesting is a fundamental right under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights agreements, advocating for a coup is considered treasonous.
Falana highlighted that protests must be conducted peacefully and within legal boundaries, as mandated by sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and related international laws.
He commended the Nigerian Police for their role in ensuring security for peaceful protests but stressed that any deviation from non-violent actions, including calls for a coup or displaying flags associated with countries known for supporting unconstitutional government changes, undermines the legitimacy of the protests. Falana urged protesters to distance themselves from undemocratic elements and to focus on lawful and constructive means of addressing grievances.
Falana also called on the Bola Tinubu administration to address economic policies contributing to hardship and to engage in more inclusive and responsive governance. He recommended reviewing policies that exacerbate poverty and engaging in meaningful civic dialogue to improve policy outcomes, rather than resorting to military solutions. The recent violent protests and the use of the Russian flag have been controversial, with some experts and officials condemning these actions as treasonous and contrary to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.