As Nigerians brace for the nationwide protest slated for Thursday, August 1, 2024, despite numerous appeals for reconsideration from the government and concerned stakeholders, the CLEEN Foundation has issued a call for caution. The foundation emphasizes the need to safeguard the rights of citizens and security personnel, protect property, and secure critical infrastructure, which have previously been compromised during protests by unscrupulous elements causing mayhem.
The proposed protest is recognized as 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). These instruments allow citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and actively participate in the democratic process. Protests are vital mechanisms for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the people’s will and needs, as explicitly stated in Sections 39, 40, and 41 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution.
While acknowledging these rights, the CLEEN Foundation highlights the provisions of Section 45 of the Constitution, which balance individual rights with the collective need for public safety and order. As an organization committed to public safety and security, CLEEN emphasizes the importance of exercising these rights responsibly and peacefully.
The foundation urges all protest participants to exercise their rights responsibly, conduct the protest peacefully without resorting to violence or vandalism, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, respect others’ rights, and be mindful of public property and safety. Ensuring a peaceful protest is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between the state and protesters to prevent any escalation of violence.
The CLEEN Foundation calls on the government and its agents, particularly the Nigeria Police, to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during the protest. The government is duty-bound to provide adequate security to protect peaceful protesters from elements that may seek to disrupt the event and cause chaos, ensuring that public safety is not compromised.
To ensure safety and compliance with human rights principles, the CLEEN Foundation will open its Situation Room on Thursday, August 1, to monitor the conduct of security personnel during the protest. The foundation encourages the public to report any incidents of rights violations by calling +234-7067899368, +234-8133051024, +234-8060023936, 09027146376, or +234-8073342922.
Dr. Gad Peter, Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, calls for peace and continuous dialogue among all parties involved to address grievances and find amicable solutions. The foundation urges the government and security agencies to respect and protect citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order, ensuring a safe and democratic environment for all.