As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests stretch into their fifth day, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has sharply condemned the ongoing suppression of peaceful demonstrations. Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), decries the excessive force used by law enforcement agencies against protesters and journalists, which has led to multiple injuries and serious infringements on fundamental rights.
In a recent press statement issued by Mr. Obinna Nwakonye, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC, Ojukwu highlighted the unacceptability of using brute force to disperse peaceful protesters. He emphasized that such actions are not only a violation of the Nigerian Constitution but also contravene international human rights standards that Nigeria has pledged to uphold.
Ojukwu reinforced the constitutional right of Nigerians to peacefully assemble and express their grievances. He also underscored the importance of protecting journalists' rights to perform their duties without fear of harassment or violence. These freedoms, according to Ojukwu, are crucial to a democratic society and should be safeguarded by law enforcement agencies.
The NHRC is calling for a thorough investigation into these incidents and for accountability for those responsible for the violations. The commission is committed to monitoring the situation closely and ensuring that human rights are respected and upheld.
In addition, the NHRC urges Nigerians with credible evidence of rights violations—whether against protesters, law enforcement personnel, media representatives, or ordinary citizens—to come forward and report these abuses through the proper channels.
Ojukwu’s statement underscores the NHRC’s role in advocating for human rights and holding authorities accountable for actions that undermine democratic values and freedoms in Nigeria.
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