A group named Concerned Nigerians has urged the Department of State Services’ (DSS) and the Federal Government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
The group Convener, Deji Adeyanju, who made this call on Wednesday in Abuja while responding to the warning by the DSS, urged the authorities to face bandits, terrorists and kidnappers terrorizing Nigerians unchallenged rather than threatening protesters.
Acknowledging the DSS responsibility in maintaining national security, Adeyanju said it was also essential to recognise that freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental rights enshrined in the country’s constitution.
“These rights are the bedrock of democracy, and any attempt to suppress them is a threat to our democratic values and will be resisted through every available legal means,” Adeyanju said.
“Ironically, the present administration of President Tinubu that rode to power on the back of protests and demonstrations is now threatening the fundamental rights of citizens. It is indeed hypocritical to attempt to stifle the same rights that were exercised by those who brought them to power.
“In solidarity, I call on all Nigerians to exercise their rights peacefully and responsibly and urge security agencies to protect protesters and ensure their safety.
“Let us work together to build a Nigeria where freedom of expression and movement are sacrosanct.”
