By Emma Okereh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has again, condemned the use of excessive force by the law enforcement agencies in dispersing the protesters asking it to adhere to the rules of engagements.
It also advised the law enforcement agencies to adhere to international standards on policing protesters. This was as the#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest continued on Monday. In a press statement in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu condemned the continuos violation of the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and the Press as well as other associated rights by law enforcement agencies.
According to him, the recent dispersal of protesters and journalists using excessive force resulting to injuries of several persons is unacceptable and a clear infringement on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
He said citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and to express their grievances as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other International Human Rights Instruments Nigeria has signed and ratified.
Speaking further, Ojukwu said Journalists also have the rights to carry out their constitutional duties as the watchdog of the society without fear or intimidation as these rights are essential to a democratic society and should be respected and protected by law enforcement agencies.
In a statement signed by the director of corporate affairs and external linkages of the commission, Obinna Nwakonye, the executive secretary urged the law enforcement agencies to respect the rule of engagement and adhere to international standards on policing protests.
” We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable” .
He assured that “At the NHRC, we will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.
“In the meantime, the NHRC is calling on all well meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of the violation of rights of protesters or of law enforcement agents or of the media or of innocent citizens; to call NHRC Toll free number 6472 or send the information or evidence to the following addresses:
infor@nigeriarights.org, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission,
No 19 Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama Abuja, Facebook: NhrcNigeriaonline, X : @NhrcNigeria or call Toll free numbers: 6472
