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Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial - Politics - Nairaland

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Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Bobloco: 10:42pm On Jul 29
IN a thriving democracy, the right to protest is fundamental. For Nigeria, this right holds profound significance. Therefore, the official opposition to the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest is baseless and counterproductive.

Protests are a vital expression of democratic rights. They allow citizens to voice their opinions, grievances and demands collectively and effectively. In Nigeria, where political and social issues often go unaddressed, protests provide a platform for the discontented to make their voices heard. This active participation is essential for a healthy democracy, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people.

Between March 2019 and November 2020, a series of demonstrations took place to protest the introduction of a bill to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance regarding extradition. In March, doctors in South Korea demonstrated to protest the government’s plans to increase medical school admissions and what they see as a broader “lack of support for the country’s medical system.” For over two centuries, the French people have periodically protested public policies, particularly plans to privatise government-owned enterprises.

Therefore, protests serve as a powerful check on government power. They remind elected officials and public servants that they are accountable to the people. In a country where corruption and abuse of power are persistent challenges, protests can deter governmental overreach and foster transparency. By allowing protests, Nigeria can strengthen its democratic institutions and promote a culture of accountability.

Nigeria’s history is replete with instances where public demonstrations catalysed significant social and political change. From the pre-independence movements against colonial rule to the more recent #EndSARS to protest police brutality, Nigerians have repeatedly taken to the streets to voice their grievances and demand justice. Notable in that era were the National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN. Unfortunately, these organisations have lost their mettle.

The 1999 Constitution, under Section 40, guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others. Despite constitutional guarantees, the right to protest in Nigeria faces significant challenges. The excessive use of force by security agencies, arbitrary arrests, and the stigmatisation of protesters are alarmingly frequent. These actions not only undermine the essence of democratic expression but also instil fear and discourage civic participation.

The aftermath of the #EndSARS protests in 2020 is a stark reminder of these challenges. While the protest initially received widespread support and highlighted critical issues of police reform, the government’s response was marred by violence and repression. The infamous Lekki Toll Gate incident, where security forces shot unarmed protesters, remains a dark chapter in the country’s democratic journey.

Ministers, APC stalwarts, monarchs, religious leaders, and the Presidency have called on the protesters to sheathe their swords. Some traditionalists plan to hold ‘oro’ to counter the protests in Lagos. The Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Department of State Services, and the military high command called for the cancellation of the protest.

Nigerians have been facing unprecedented hardship since President Bola Tinubu cancelled the petrol subsidy in May 2023 and floated the naira the following month.

To safeguard the right to protest, several steps must be taken. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect protesters from arbitrary arrests and violence is imperative.

Contrary to the perception that protests are inherently disruptive, they can be a means of peaceful conflict resolution. When citizens can express their dissent and grievances, it is an opportunity for dialogue and negotiation. Suppressing protests, on the other hand, can lead to frustration and escalate tensions, potentially resulting in more violent outcomes.

A vibrant civil society is crucial for the development and sustainability of any democracy.

As Nigeria evolves, it is essential to protect and cherish this right, ensuring that every Nigerian can raise their voice without fear of retribution.

https://punchng.com/protecting-nigerians-vital-right-to-protest/

8 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Quest7777: 10:45pm On Jul 29
The Soul of Nigeria is under siege.

I encourage Nigerians to come out to protest peacefully against hunger and hardship like VDM.
VDM didn't commit a crime. Protesting peacefully is never a crime.

And it is the job of the police to ensure the rights of peaceful protesters is not infringed upon.

If Govt doesn't want protests, they should do the needful.
Nigeria is rich enough to subsidise fuel at ₦100 per litre, if Govt cuts down on cost of governance and wastages and effectively fight corruption.

19 Likes 1 Share

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by EyeCumInPiece: 10:47pm On Jul 29
The Economy was relatively viable when Buhari took over from GEJ, but Buhari crumbled the economy in his 8yrs.
Tinubu can not be exonerated because he was largely instrumental to Buhari's emergence. Infact Tinubu claims he made Buhari president.

Tinubu that said he will hit the ground running, has been running like a mad man for over one year now with nothing to show for it except increased hunger and suffering to Nigerians.

And agbado miscreants say we should not protest, that we should give the druggie more time to finish this corn3 patapata.

14 Likes 3 Shares

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by TemplarLandry: 10:48pm On Jul 29
cool
Retarded, disgruntled HoeBeeDients with terrorist tendencies trying to hide under the guise of protest. Try harder!

I diss them with "WBYD" (Who Be Your Daddy) by Dremo feat. Zhus Jdo.

Great jam!

14 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by ElSudani: 10:52pm On Jul 29
The government acceded to the demands of the Endsars protesters, what kept them in the streets after that?
All these academic lectures wouldn't mean anything if mobs were allowed to overrun the country. No government will allow that, not USA, not UK, nowhere.

2 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by ngwaIgbo223: 12:15am On Jul 30
We are marching direct to aso Villa.

13 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Horus(m): 12:28am On Jul 30
Peaceful protest is a powerful and public way for people to make their voices heard

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by LagosPrince: 1:06am On Jul 30
A very beautiful article

2 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by keymatt(m): 1:42am On Jul 30
The fact that APC sponsored protest are always peaceful goes to show you that the demons in APC are the ones sponsoring violence when sincere Nigerians are protesting. APC devils were behind Endsars violence, not Nigerians.
The world will hold Tinubu's INEC regime responsible for any eruption of violence in August 1st protest. cool

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Bobloco: 1:54am On Jul 30
TemplarLandry:
cool
Retarded, disgruntled HoeBeeDients with terrorist tendencies trying to hide under the guise of protest. Try harder!

I diss them with "WBYD" (Who Be Your Daddy) by Dremo feat. Zhus Jdo.

Great jam!


You are back at dedicating songs and great jam!

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by theophorus(m): 6:36am On Jul 30
Nobody dey say make anybody no Protest ooo.
But if it ever turn looting or vandalism...
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Coolestguy2023: 6:36am On Jul 30
In as much as you have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, i also have the right not to protest. Your right to protest should not in any way hinder me from going about my daily activities.
Do your protest without interfering with my constitutional right of free movement.
Any attempt to distrupt my movement would be met with violent resistance

13 Likes 1 Share

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by BlowYourMind: 6:37am On Jul 30
No one is stopping anyone from protesting, but everyone should protest in their various state, the endsars, whereas Okeke, Chinasa, and others were found committing arson in Southwest must repeat itself again especially this time that bitter grievingory Obi people are bereaved and mourning the disgraceful defeat and humiliation of their lord and savior

14 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by benuejosh: 6:38am On Jul 30
I read the first paragraph and i didn't read the rest because the writer himself is in support of chaos and anarchy.

Nobody is against the protest. The state is concerned about the miscreants and criminals who will take over the protest and begin to cause untold hardship to business owners and market women and men who survive and fend for the family through their daily trade or hustle.

Who is increasing the price of commodity in the market? is it not the same business men and women? What really are they protesting for?

Protesting is their right but the Protestant that will want to cause mayhem, is it also their right?
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Lovenorth: 6:40am On Jul 30
Even if the president reverses all of his heinous measures, the strike must continue because we will prove to him that we are not weaklings who will be mistreated.

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Shedrack777: 6:40am On Jul 30
are they really protecting or prothieving?
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by MrPOTUS: 6:40am On Jul 30
Never knew Tinubu can shake o, this impending protest grab him by his ballz grin



Everyone is lamenting, including a vast number of westerners.

Na only those bastard nairaland supporters wey dey claim online millionaires dey support this govt.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by bewla(m): 6:41am On Jul 30
Let me c any Mumu mugu come out to protest
I will personally see to it he rot in jail


Transport high

School fees high

Hospital high

NEPA high

Petrol high
Kerosene high

Bandit on the rise

Kidnapping on the rise

Death rate on the high

Ritual on the rise

Bad news no get control

You Mumu come want to protest for hunger
Ogun go kill any useless
Politicians motivated person that join this crazy clowns
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by UnfairLife7(m): 6:43am On Jul 30
The protest go loud

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by flexyrule(m): 6:45am On Jul 30
Baba wey no well dey fear protest...

grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin grin
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Nwaokunkpara: 6:46am On Jul 30
Tinubu kind of democracy don't accept a peaceful protest or demonstrations against the evils of his administration
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by flexyrule(m): 6:46am On Jul 30
TemplarLandry:
cool
Retarded, disgruntled HoeBeeDients with terrorist tendencies trying to hide under the guise of protest. Try harder!

I diss them with "WBYD" (Who Be Your Daddy) by Dremo feat. Zhus Jdo.

Great jam!

You go dedicate song tire!

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Bubu4Sea: 6:46am On Jul 30
The cocaine sniffing druglord ,Amoda Ogunlere aka Bola Tinubu’s should invest time in solving people problems, instead of looking for ways to stop the protest

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by EyeCumInPeace: 6:47am On Jul 30
TemplarLandry:
cool
Retarded, disgruntled HoeBeeDients with terrorist tendencies trying to hide under the guise of protest. Try harder!

I diss them with "WBYD" (Who Be Your Daddy) by Dremo feat. Zhus Jdo.

Great jam!

Grow up and stop being a nuisance on NL.
If Thïefnubu is truly afraid of protests being hijacked by terrorists, the druggie should bring back the Subsidy he removed, and the protest will die off.

1 Like

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Cj4charles(m): 6:47am On Jul 30
angry
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by MaziObinnaokija: 6:47am On Jul 30
cool
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by shox: 6:54am On Jul 30
benuejosh:
I read the first paragraph and i didn't read the rest because the writer himself is in support of chaos and anarchy.

Nobody is against the protest. The state is concerned about the miscreants and criminals who will take over the protest and begin to cause untold hardship to business owners and market women and men who survive and fend for the family through their daily trade or hustle.

Who is increasing the price of commodity in the market? is it not the same business men and women? What really are they protesting for?

Protesting is their right but the Protestant that will want to cause mayhem, is it also their right?
karma is the answer to you people.

You apc people should get to work. Enough Cho Cho cho .


As protest dey come. Pre election monikers including ROBOTS on nairaland to don rise up dissuade the people. E no go work

2 Likes

Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by Racoon(m): 7:08am On Jul 30
Trust Punch Newspaper! The useless, senseless, impactless and directionless government will collect am wotoporously
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by frankson1(m): 7:21am On Jul 30
The RIGHT to PROTEST doesn't give the PROTESTERS rights to deatroy and burn down people's businesses and properties.
Re: Protecting Nigerians’ Vital Right To Protest - Punch Editorial by YouAreNobody: 7:26am On Jul 30
theophorus:
Nobody dey say make anybody no Protest ooo.
But if it ever turn looting or vandalism...

It's your APC who sponsored thugs to turn the endSARS protests violent. Videos abound of where thugs were getting imported in government Prado jeeps. APC is a demonic party

1 Like

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