IHRC lauds security agencies for maintaining peace during protests

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has commended the Nigerian Government for acknowledging citizens’ constitutional right to protest against hardship and bad governance in the country.

Additionally, IHRC lauded the Nigeria Armed Forces, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for their role in maintaining peace and order during the citizens’ protest.

The African Ambassador-at-Large of IHRC, Ambassador Malami Shehu Ma’aji, stated this in a press release made available to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday.

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He said, “Let me use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian President for embracing international best practices, recognizing protest as a fundamental human right enshrined in the constitution.”

According to Ambassador Ma’aji, “I must commend the Department of State Security (DSS) for helping to create a safer environment for peaceful protests and allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights while minimising the risk of violence by bad eggs.”

He described protest as a fundamental human right, saying that its core value is to hold leaders accountable in their country.

Ma’aji, however, cautioned organisers of the planned nationwide protest “to come forward and present their demands in a civil, peaceful, and orderly manner to the government rather than remaining faceless.”

He further stressed the importance of responsible and constructive engagement, urging protesters to engage with the government in a manner that promotes dialogue and understanding for peaceful coexistence.

He emphasised that this approach would help to prevent unnecessary conflicts and ensure a peaceful resolution of grievances.

The Ambassador also advised the Nigerian President to heed the concerns of Nigerian youths and citizens, advocating for fundamental reforms to address pressing issues.

“Let me emphasise the need for the Nigerian government to demonstrate its commitment by listening to the voices of its citizens and working towards a more prosperous and stable country,” he said.

He called on the government to address the pressing issues of de-escalating threats, reducing prices of food, goods, and services, and rebuilding the Nigerian economy, saying that “by doing so, the government can demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and well-being of its citizens.”

The IHRC Ambassador’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria is experiencing a wave of protests and agitations from various groups, calling for reforms and better governance to end hunger and insecurity.