Group Condemns Arrests of Peaceful Protesters, Calls for Security Agencies to Respect Rights

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has condemned the ongoing arrests of individuals participating in or associated with the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests across Nigeria by security operatives.

In a statement issued on Monday, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, criticized the government’s reaction to peaceful protests as an indication of insensitivity and authoritarianism. Nwanguma emphasized that citizens are exercising their constitutional right to demand better governance in light of economic hardships and widespread suffering under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Nwanguma asserted that peaceful protests are a legitimate means for citizens to highlight their grievances and that arresting protesters undermines democratic principles.

The statement noted, “RULAAC has been informed of the arrest of Mr. Tunde Oluajo (also known as Sankara), a human rights activist and anti-corruption campaigner, along with Michael Adaramoye, the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, in Abuja. They, along with others, were detained by the State Security Service around 2 a.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and should not be criminalized.”

RULAAC further criticized the government’s approach, stating, “The citizens are merely making valid demands for good governance. The repressive actions by security agencies highlight the government’s lack of sensitivity and despotic tendencies. This ongoing clampdown contradicts the Tinubu administration’s stated respect for the right to peaceful assembly and expression.”

The organization condemned the use of force, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests against peaceful protesters, calling these actions unacceptable in a democratic society. RULAAC urged for the immediate release of all detained individuals and called on the government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and engage in dialogue to address their concerns rather than suppress them.

“The use of force and arbitrary arrests to stifle peaceful protest contradicts the democratic values and human rights principles that Nigeria is committed to upholding,” the statement concluded.