On Thursday, human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa criticized security forces for “provoking” peaceful #EndBadGovernance protesters across the country.
In a statement, Adegboruwa, who represents one of the protest organisers, The Take It Back Movement, warned that confrontations by security personnel could escalate the protests. He urged law enforcement officers to maintain professionalism.
Adegboruwa commended the bravery of Nigerians who participated in the demonstrations, stating, “Despite threats, intimidation, and harassment by the authorities and their security apparatus, people came out in large numbers to protest the suffering, hunger, and poverty imposed by President Tinubu’s administration.” He noted that, while the protests have been largely peaceful, especially in Lagos and Abuja, some incidents of unrest were mainly due to provocations by security agencies. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the protests have been successful, well-organized, and focused.
‘Avoid Bloodshed’
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria called on all security and law enforcement agencies to adhere to proper protocols in handling civil protests to avoid bloodshed or loss of life. He stated, “Security agencies are responsible for ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters and must avoid any actions that could provoke unnecessary conflicts.”
Adegboruwa also urged protest organizers to maintain peace and avoid actions that could lead to violence or chaos. He insisted that the government should swiftly identify and hold accountable any police or law enforcement officers who violate the rights of peaceful protesters, particularly in cases where injuries or fatalities have occurred.
‘Govt Should Facilitate Dialogue’
Adegboruwa expressed that both federal and state governments should have already established mechanisms for genuine and meaningful dialogue with the protesters to address their concerns. He criticised the government for potentially ignoring the situation, warning that it would be highly insensitive for leadership to remain silent and act as if everything is fine.
The protests, widely promoted on social media, began on August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10, taking place across all states of the Federation, including the nation’s capital, Abuja. These demonstrations are in response to severe economic hardships, including skyrocketing prices of food and basic commodities, exacerbated by high inflation and economic crises linked to the government’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and forex window unification.
Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Services against large-scale protests similar to Kenya’s, and concerns from politicians about a repeat of the October 2020 EndSARS demonstrations, the young protesters remain undeterred.