IPC , 37 CSOS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTEST

Right to Peaceful Protest Is A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally
Guaranteed – Groups

In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of
citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, the
International Press Centre, in collaboration with 37 Civil Society Organizations, have
declared their support for the planned nationwide protests, describing the move as
constitutional.
A statement jointly signed by the organizations, issued to newsmen in Owerri, on
Tuesday, confirmed the development.

The CSOs include:

1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative
2. Accountability Lab Nigeria
3. Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda
4. BudgIT Foundation
5. Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID)
6. Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)
7. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
8. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
9. Dataphyte Foundation
10. DigiCivic Initiative
11. Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria 12. Farnnel Women Foundation
12. Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development
13. Global Rights
14. Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI)
15. HIFWAC Relief
16. Hope Behind Bars Africa
17. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF)
18. International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)
19. International Press Centre (IPC)
20. Invictus Africa
21. Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation
22. Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
23. Mothers United and Mobilized
24. Nigeria Network of NGOs
25. Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
26. Policy Alert
27. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
28. Research Centre for Development Action
29. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
30. Sesor Empowerment Foundation
31. TechHer NG
32. The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation
33. We the People
34. WikkiTimes
35. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
36. Yiaga Africa
    The statement reads thus : “The undersigned civil society organizations are compelled
    to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of
    democratic governance.
    “ This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens
    to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
    “ Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights
    instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the
    International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and
    Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
    “ It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate
    actively in the democratic process.
    “ Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring
    that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.
    “ History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government
    policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address
    grievances and promote good governance.
    “ While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we
    concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights
    of others.
    “ Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants,
    and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law.
    “ Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.
    Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or
    threaten public safety.
    “ Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or
    unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.
    “ Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role
    of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them
    immediately.
    “ Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the
    state. We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission
    (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly
    address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.
    “ The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost
    of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all
    recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.
    “ We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and
    stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.
    “ We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable
    society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human
    rights, and the rule of law “ the statement read