The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged law enforcement agencies to safeguard both protesters and property during the upcoming nationwide protests. Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, made this call while briefing journalists in Abuja. He announced that the commission would deploy officials to monitor the protests to ensure that human rights are upheld.
Ojukwu emphasized that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to protest, advising all parties to avoid actions that could threaten public safety, damage property, or undermine Nigeria’s democracy. “Section 39 of the Constitution also imposes an obligation on law enforcement and security agencies deployed to protest, as well as organizers of protests and their supporters,” he said. He referred to the 2007 Court of Appeal case of the Inspector General of Police and All Nigerian People’s Party, which reinforced the right to freedom of assembly and protest.
The NHRC Executive Secretary stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to respect citizens’ rights while maintaining public order. He highlighted the dual responsibility of citizens and protesters to conduct themselves orderly, respect the law, and protect the security of others and public and private properties.
“In view of the foregoing, the NHRC in exercise of its mandate, urges the Federal and State Governments to uphold the fundamental rights and fundamental objectives of state policy enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria,” Ojukwu added. He affirmed that the NHRC would utilize its protective and promotional mandate to monitor every protest in Nigeria, ensuring that human rights principles are adhered to by both state and non-state actors.
Hillary Ogbonna, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC Executive Secretary, mentioned that the commission would soon release a report on its investigation into alleged rights violations of women in the North East by security agents fighting insurgency. He noted that the investigative panel, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Abdul Aboki, concluded its sessions on March 17, after interviewing about 190 witnesses and visiting various states in the region.