As the #EndBadGovernance protest continues, the spotlight again shines on Nigeria’s fundamental right to protest.
The right to assemble, express dissent, and demand accountability from the government is contained in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
However, exercising this right responsibly and in line with international best practices ensures that protests lead to meaningful change without escalating into violence or chaos.
And events of recent days, especially in some parts of the north, confirmed the worst fear that such protests, peaceful as intended, could be hijacked by hoodlums and disrupt civil order.
The right to protest is the foundation of democratic societies worldwide. It allows citizens to voice their grievances, push for reforms, and hold leaders accountable.
In Nigeria, this right is protected under Section 39 and Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association. These provisions align with international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Nigeria has a rich history of protests, from the anti-colonial movements to recent demonstrations like the #EndSARS protests. These movements have often been catalysts for significant social and political changes. However, protests in Nigeria have also faced challenges, including heavy-handed responses from security forces, arrests of protesters, and instances of violence and vandalism. These issues call for the need for a balanced approach that respects the right to protest while ensuring public safety and order.
Effective protests require meticulous planning and organisation, where citizens articulate clear demands, establish communication channels, and coordinate logistics. Engaging with civil society organisations and legal advisers can provide essential support and legitimacy. The success of a protest often hinges on its peaceful nature; organisers should emphasise non-violence, train participants in peaceful tactics, and maintain order. This approach aligns with legal requirements and garners greater public sympathy and media coverage.
Dialogue with government authorities and security agencies can help mitigate potential conflicts by informing relevant bodies about protest plans to reduce confrontations. Understanding and abiding by legal frameworks governing protests is critical since planned protests ideally include acquiring necessary permissions and following local norms. Raising public knowledge of the reasons for the protest, as well as educating participants on their rights and obligations, promotes a disciplined and focused movement. Using social media properly to distribute knowledge and refute disinformation is equally critical.
Since President Bola Tinubu’s address to the nation concerning the protest, many stakeholders have urged protesters to pursue channels of dialogue and compromise. The president has promised listening ears and urged patience and support for his economic reforms.
Therefore, one of the lessons learnt so far is that Nigeria’s approach to protests can benefit from aligning with international best practices. Countries like South Africa and India have demonstrated that peaceful protests can lead to significant societal changes when supported by legal protections and dialogue with authorities. The United Nations guidelines on peaceful assembly advocate for minimal restrictions on protests and emphasise the importance of protecting the rights of demonstrators.
In line with these best practices, Nigerian authorities must ensure that security forces are trained to manage protests with restraint and respect for human rights. Establishing independent bodies to investigate allegations of misconduct during protests can also enhance accountability and trust.
The #EndBadGovernance protest presents an opportunity for Nigerians to exercise their democratic rights and demand better governance. For the protest to achieve its objectives and set a positive precedent, it must be conducted responsibly, peacefully, and by legal and international standards.
The government, on its part, must recognise and respect the right to protest as a vital component of a vibrant democracy. Nigeria can get closer to achieving the objectives of good governance, accountability, and social justice by creating an environment that encourages peaceful dissent and addressing the root causes of public discontent.