A prominent lawyer calls on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to drop charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters, arguing for the protection of their right to peaceful protest.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has received a letter from Pelumi Olajengbesi – a lawyer specializing in human rights law. The letter highlights the plight of ten individuals who are part of #EndBadGovernance protests and have been charged with treason by the Federal Government.
Olajengbesi’s letter arrived at the AGF Office on Tuesday, stating that making criminals out of young protestors who demonstrated against hunger and poor governance in Nigeria back in August undermines the principles of justice.
According to him, the Constitution of 1999 and international human rights treaties that Nigeria has ratified protect the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest – a cornerstone of democratic societies.
He stated that punishing individuals for peacefully protesting and exercising their lawful right to dissent not only violates legal safeguards but also undermines Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
According to Olajengbesi, the government’s method is detrimental and goes against democratic principles of free speech.
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was encouraged to safeguard citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and expression.
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Olajengbesi stated that we must take a stand against the normalization of labeling lawful dissent as criminal activity. This practice erodes our society’s democratic foundation and should not be tolerated.
Throughout history, governments utilizing such oppressive tactics have consistently diminished their credibility among citizens and the global community.
“I trust in your constant commitment to upholding justice and the principles of law, and I am certain that your involvement will assist in redirecting the government towards a fairer and more democratic path.”
Hence, I strongly urge you to revoke all allegations on the detained demonstrators and promptly set them free. Let us abide by the rule of law and abstain from punitive measures towards those who simply aim to exercise their rights as provided for by the constitution.
After being accused of treason, a number of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrators were detained in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Their remand has been ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja till September 11, 2024 when their bail application will be heard and ruled upon.
After the defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the six-count charge related to terrorism imposed on them by the Federal Government, the judge scheduled a date for their trial.
