Human rights activist and lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who represents detained protesters from the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, has expressed his reasons for insisting that the October 1 protests must hold. He strongly criticizes what he perceives as an effort by the Tinubu administration to criminalize peaceful protests, asserting that Nigerians must not be discouraged by state-sponsored intimidation.
Despite the ongoing detention of some individuals who participated in earlier protests, another round of demonstrations against the country’s hardships is set for October 1. Effiong argues that Nigerians are constitutionally entitled to protest, and this right does not need to be granted or regulated by the government. He emphasizes that in a democratic society, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be upheld.
According to Effiong, the current state of the country warrants public outcry, and citizens are justified in protesting every day if necessary until the government addresses these issues. He stresses that as long as protests are lawful and legitimate, their duration and reasons should not be limited. Any attempt by security agents to arrest peaceful protesters is both wrong and condemnable, he adds. Effiong vows to continue defending the rights of anyone whose freedom is violated for engaging in peaceful protests.
Effiong further highlights the resolve of human rights activists to uphold these constitutional rights, regardless of the government’s actions. He insists that there is no room for negotiation when it comes to the fundamental right to protest. He believes that the arrests of protesters are baseless, and he condemns the trivialization of serious charges like treason, which he views as a misuse of the criminal justice system by those in power who, in his view, lack democratic credentials. Effiong calls on civil society to remain steadfast in advocating for justice and equality. He pledges to support anyone wrongfully detained for protesting peacefully.
Acknowledging the climate of fear surrounding the upcoming October 1 protest, Effiong urges Nigerians not to be afraid. He argues that the legal charges against protesters are merely distractions aimed at diverting attention from the real issues facing the country. He insists that no one should be scared to exercise their constitutional rights. Effiong contends that the country belongs to all Nigerians, not just to President Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He calls on citizens to overcome their fears, asserting that the government’s attempts to instill fear and suppress dissent must be resisted.
Effiong, who has personally experienced human rights violations, including detention, is one of the lawyers representing the detained protesters from the recent demonstrations. He explains that legal actions are being taken to challenge the detentions and secure the release of those who have been arrested. While some protesters have been granted bail, Effiong and his colleagues are also engaging with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of protesters during the October 1 demonstrations. They have notified the Inspector General of Police about the upcoming protests and are prepared to provide legal protection to any citizen whose rights are violated as a result of participating.
Although Effiong could not provide an exact number of detainees, he noted that several individuals are being held by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police. He emphasizes that protesting should not be a criminal offense, and his team is working tirelessly to secure the release of all detainees. Effiong rejects any suggestion of negotiating their release, maintaining that the unlawful detention of peaceful protesters is a disgrace in a supposed democratic country.
Reflecting on his own experience of being detained, Effiong says it has strengthened his resolve. He argues that the authorities in power are not true democrats but are instead acting like dictators. He points out that the Tinubu administration’s actions, including denying the right to protest and attacking the media through the arrest of journalists, contradict the principles of democracy.
Despite the challenges, Effiong is confident that the detained protesters will ultimately receive justice. He is not concerned about the charges brought against them, which he views as baseless. Effiong finds it absurd that the government has accused people of committing treason through social media platforms like WhatsApp and looks forward to the court proceedings to reveal the specifics of these allegations. He stresses that the human rights community will continue to hold leaders accountable, as this is crucial to protecting democracy.
Effiong also refutes the notion that Nigerians lack the capacity to sustain protests. He points to previous movements, including those before and after the #EndSARS protests, as evidence that Nigerians are unwilling to be silenced or subdued. He believes that ongoing protests are necessary, as the country’s worsening economic conditions and government mismanagement leave citizens with few other options. Effiong highlights the stark contrast between the suffering of the people and the extravagant expenditures of the government, such as the purchase of new aircraft for the President. In his view, these grievances justify continued protests, and Nigerians should not allow themselves to be intimidated by what he considers a failed and oppressive administration.
