Abuja, Nigeria: In light of recent events and ongoing discussions  surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction  with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society  organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to  peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This  right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for  citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and  advocate for change. 

Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international  human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human  Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the  African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999  Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly  voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in  the democratic process. 

Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and  ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.  History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in  government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of  collective action to address grievances and promote good governance. 

While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations,  we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties  engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement  agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a  duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order.  Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause  unrest or threaten public safety. 

Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use  of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive.  

Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is  the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and  arrest them immediately. Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of  understanding of the enemies of the state. 

We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission  (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to  promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these  protests. 

The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing  the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional  reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy  democracy.  

We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights  and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful  protest. 

We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and  accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of  democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. 

Signed: 

1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative 2. Accountability Lab Nigeria 
2. Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda 4. BudgIT Foundation 
3. Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID) 6. Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) 
4. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) 8. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) 
5. Dataphyte Foundation 
6. DigiCivic Initiative 
7. Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria 
8. Farnnel Women Foundation  
9. Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development 
10. Global Rights 
11. Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI) 16. HIFWAC Relief  
12. Hope Behind Bars Africa  
13. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF)  19. International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) 20. International Press Centre (IPC) 
14. Invictus Africa 
15. Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation 
16. Media Rights Agenda (MRA) 
17. Mothers United and Mobilised  
18. Nigeria Network of NGOs  
19. Paradigm Initiative (PIN) 
20. Policy Alert 
21. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) 
22. Research Centre for Development Action 
23. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) 31. Sesor Empowerment Foundation  
24. TechHer NG 
25. The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation  
26. We the People  
27. WikkiTimes  
28. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) 
29. Yiaga Africa