NHRC: Nigerians Can Protest Anytime, Anywhere

...As CSO releases assessment report on #EndBadGovernance Movement

A Civil Society Organisation, CSO, Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, has released an assessment report on the #EndBadGovernance uprising praising the power of civic action in shaping the future of the nation.
This was even as the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has said that Nigerians had the right to protest anytime and anywhere, irrespective of whose ox is gored.
The report titled, "Beyond the Protest," was released weekend, even as the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has fixed January 29 as trial date for some of the suspected protesters.
KDI presented it's findings on the occasion, which had in attendance, the Police, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, Development Partners, and the media among others.
The Executive Director, KDI, Bukola Idowu, who spoke, explained that the #EndBadGovernance protest, remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s socio-political evolution.
According to him, #EndBadGovernance protest, among others like #EndSARS, had showcased the remarkable power of civic action in shaping the future of the nation, adding that security agencies need to adopt less confrontational approaches to protests in a bid to foster trust and encourage constructive dialogue between citizens and the state.
His words, “Our study delves into the complexities and implications of protests in Nigeria, examining critical dimensions such as regional responses, governance implications, human rights, the rule of law, and the transformative role of social media in amplifying civic action.
“The importance of this study cannot be overstated. Nigeria has a history of protests dating back to the colonial era; however, recent movements have demonstrated that protests are not merely expressions of dissent but powerful catalysts for social change.
“By exploring the #EndBadGovernance movement, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors driving protests, their impact on governance and human rights, and the role social media plays in shaping civic action.
“This report transcends being a mere research output; it is a clarion call to action. We aspire for our findings to inform policy decisions, guide advocacy efforts, and inspire ordinary citizens to actively engage in promoting good governance, human rights, and social justice."
Idowu, then recommended that, “Protests should not always end at the protest day; after the 10 days what happens? So our recommendation is that protests should not always end on the day. After we leave the streets, what are we doing? And that is exactly our recommendation that we need to take our protests beyond the streets to the boardroom where we engage policy makers to drive that change. Formalised Citizen Engagement; Post-Protest Dialogues; Non-Coercive Responses; Youth Empowerment; and Government Reframing of Protests.’’
The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force, NPF, CSP Victor Isuku Edailokun who commented during a panel discussion of the report, justified the arrest, detention and arraignment of seven year old children protesters. (Source: Vanguard).