AS the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria entered the fourth day, a coalition of civil society organisations has accused the government at all levels of escalating violence and unrest in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by 55 CSOs, including Yiaga Africa, Media Rights Agenda, and Accountability Lab, on Sunday, August 4, the coalition noted that the government’s response had been to suppress and delegitimise the protests using propaganda, politics, threats, intimidation, arrests, bribery, and blackmail.
The protests, driven by frustration over the high cost of living, failed government policies, and bad governance, according to the coalition, began with high hopes that the government would address citizens’ concerns.
It, however, stressed that the response from government officials, including the security operatives, had been largely dismissive and hostile, exacerbating tensions.
The ICIR reports that many Nigerians have trooped to the streets to protest poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
The protests have been marred with violence, largely caused by the security operatives in places like Lagos and Abuja, where protesters have been subjected to tear gas and harassment.
In some states, political thugs have allegedly hijacked the protest to cause mayhem, attacking demonstrators and looting properties.
With the attacks and looting in some states, generating outrages, President Bola Tinubu in his broadcast on Sunday, August 4, called on the protest organisers to dialogue with the government, and immediately suspend the protest.
While condemning the attacks on properties and lives, the President branded the protesters as ‘violent’ noting his “government will not stand idly by and allow a few with a clear political agenda to tear this nation apart.”
Meanwhile, the coalition said although the President had acknowledged the agitations of Nigerians and communicated some of the government’s plans, his address lacked what most Nigerians expected to hear and was devoid of conviction in delivery.
They also noted that he did not respond to the demand of Nigerians to cut down significantly on the high cost of governance, address insecurity and the unbearable cost of living.
They further expressed concern over Vice President Kashim Shetimma labelling protesters as ‘bandits and idiots.’
“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SSG), with disdain at a press conference, described the protests as ‘useless.’
Another instance the coalition gave was when the Senate President said protests could continue as long as officials kept eating.
It added that the Nigeria Police fired tear gas and used live ammunition against unarmed protesters, killing citizens.
“This is criminal, unlawful and a grave violation of their fundamental human rights. The Nigeria Police have beaten and physically assaulted peaceful protesters, including journalists and a person with a disability.
“The government is threatening to deploy soldiers to the streets. The implications of these threats are obvious, as we recall the outcome of the last time soldiers were deployed to respond to citizens’ protests (#EndSARS),” the coalition said.
The statement further reiterated that peaceful protest is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
Citing relevant sections of the Constitution, it noted that the Constitution allowed citizens to publicly voice their concerns, express displeasure with government policies, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
“We are holding the government accountable for ignoring the protesters’ grievances and the negative outcomes of these protests.
“The violence and looting occurring in the #EndBadGovernance protests speak volumes about the failure of the government to validate and address the concerns of its citizens. The blame solely lies with the federal, state, and local governments, which have failed to provide security and welfare to the people,” the statement added.
The group urged the government to immediately focus on providing adequate security for the protesters, and prevent hired thugs and hoodlums from attacking protesters or disrupting the protest.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M