Bring evidence of human rights abuses to us, NHRC tells Nigerians

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought evidence of human rights abuses committed against Nigerian journalists and even law enforcement agents during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests for investigation and necessary action.

NHRC Executive Secretary Anthony Ojukwu made the call on Monday and lamented the use of force to disperse protesters during the protest that began on August 1.

Mr Ojukwu described the attitude of the law enforcement agents as a “violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians”, an NHRC statement said.

He also called on law enforcement agencies to “respect the rules and follow international standards for controlling protests”.

“We at the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights in Nigeria,” Mr Ojukwu said.

“In the meantime, the NHRC appeals to all well-meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of violations of the rights of protesters or law enforcement agents or the media or innocent citizens to call the NHRC toll free number 6472 or send information or evidence to the following address,” the statement said.

Other channels provided by the NHRC for presenting such evidence of human rights abuses are: infor@nigeriarights.org Physical address of the Executive Secretary of the Commission, No. 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, Facebook Handle – NhrcNigeriaonline, and Ex Handle – @NhrcNigeria.

On 31 July, on the eve of the protests, the NHRC issued a protest advisory to the government, law enforcement agencies and citizens to ensure unhindered protests.

The commission also expressed its commitment to monitoring the protests, while warning security personnel against harassing protesters. Protesters,

However, despite this advice, the #EndBadGovernance protests, which began peacefully in some states, turned violent in some states, where shops were looted and killings of civilians were reported.
State governments in states like Borno, Kano and Kaduna declared curfews to prevent violence.
Police have arrested, harassed, and used tear gas on journalists and peaceful protesters during the protests.
On Saturday, State Security Service (SSS) terrorists opened fire on journalists at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The NHRC issued a press statement condemning the incident of violence on the second day of the protests, Premium Times reported.
In the statement, the commission gave an ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police to investigate and punish his officers who harassed him. Journalists,
The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, demanding drastic action from President Bola Tinubu to address the rising cost of living and poor governance in the country.

The protesters have demanded the withdrawal of policies such as removal of fuel subsidies.
He also called for cutting down on the cost of governance to prevent wastage of limited public funds.
They are also distressed by the insensitivity of government officials who are accused of making huge profits on public money, even as they urge the rest of the citizenry to brace up to deal with the ill-effects of Mr Tinubu’s economic policies.

President Tinubu, while addressing Nigerians on Sunday, urged protesters to suspend their protests and instead embrace dialogue.
Mr Tinubu also detailed his administration’s efforts to tackle the economic challenges.

Read the full statement here.

#ENDBADGovernance protests: NHRC condemns continued use of force by law enforcement agencies

As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests enter 5th day, the Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN, has again condemned the continued violation of the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and of the press as well as other related rights by law enforcement agencies.
According to him, the recent dispersal of protesters and journalists through the use of excessive force, which resulted in the injuries of several people, is unacceptable and a clear violation of the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

The NHRC chief said citizens have the right to peacefully assemble and express their grievances, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other international human rights instruments that Nigeria has signed and ratified.

Speaking further, Ojukwu said journalists also have the right to carry out their constitutional duties as watchdogs of society without fear or intimidation

According to him, these rights are essential for a democratic society and must be respected and protected by law enforcement agencies.

The country's chief human rights official urged law enforcement agencies to respect the rules and follow international standards for controlling protests.

We call on the relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold the 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.”

Also read: Russian Embassy speaks out on #Endbadgovernance protesters waving Russian flags

Meanwhile, the NHRC is appealing to all well-meaning Nigerians who have credible evidence or information of violations of the rights of protesters, law enforcement agents, the media or innocent citizens to call the NHRC toll free number 6472 or send information or evidence to the following address:

1. infor@nigeriarights.org
2. The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission,
No. 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja.
3. Facebook: NhrcNigeriaonline
4. ⁠X: @NhrcNigeria
5. Call toll free number: 6472
Obinna Nwakoni
Corporate Affairs and External Relations Director.