The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver an immediate state-of-the-nation address to address the growing grievances and escalating tensions among Nigerians.
The organization emphasized the necessity for the President to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to upholding citizens’ rights, urging all government entities to prioritize the safety and welfare of every individual they serve.
CAPPA specifically called on the Nigerian police and other security forces to honor their constitutional responsibilities as outlined in the amended 1999 Constitution by ensuring that citizens’ right to peaceful assembly is respected and protected.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest movement emerged on social media roughly three weeks ago, reflecting widespread frustration over the rising cost of living and hardships resulting from economic reforms implemented by the federal government since May 29 of last year.
Since the protests gained momentum, the nation has been rife with debates and accusations regarding their underlying motives, with various factions and individuals making provocative comments online.
CAPPA noted that government institutions—including the police, the Department of State Security, the Nigerian Army, and the judiciary—have become embroiled in the controversy. Many actions and statements from government officials reveal a blatant disregard for citizens’ rights and breach several international agreements that Nigeria is obligated to uphold in order to protect human rights and ensure citizens can peacefully express their grievances.
For example, despite receiving a prior notice from protest organizers, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, denied permission for the use of Eagle Square, a public venue, for their peaceful demonstrations.
In related developments, the Lagos State Government secured a court order restricting protests to only two designated areas: Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota and Freedom Park at Ketu.
CAPPA’s statement condemned the misuse of the judiciary to issue oppressive rulings designed to stifle legitimate dissent and undermine the citizens’ right to demand accountability from their elected officials.
The organization highlighted that Chapter IV, Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association to protect their interests.
Section 41 affirms that law-abiding citizens can move freely and reside anywhere in the country without obstruction. Similarly, Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights safeguard the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
“A peaceful protest is a valid avenue for citizens to express their discontent with unfavorable government policies. Any efforts to diminish this right are an affront to true democracy. Genuine governance can only exist when it values participation, inclusion, and expression of all citizens.”
