Federal Government Releases Six #EndBadGovernance Protesters Amid Ongoing Tensions

The Federal Government has released six protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement, part of the over 1,403 individuals arrested during recent demonstrations. This release occurred just after a Federal High Court in Abuja set a high bail of N10 million for ten protesters facing treason-related charges.

The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, were ignited by the escalating economic crisis and widespread demands for improved governance. Security forces responded with excessive force, resulting in both casualties and arrests, drawing criticism from legal experts who have condemned the government’s tactics as repressive.

Lawyers argue that the charges of treasonable felony and sedition against the demonstrators are unfounded and serve only to intimidate citizens. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, also expressed concern about the government’s silence on the protesters’ demands.

According to sources within the Department of State Services (DSS), the six individuals were released last Thursday in Kaduna State at the directive of DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi, who emphasized the importance of upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful protest. However, three protesters are set to be arraigned in court based on what the DSS claims is prima facie evidence of criminal activity.

Lawyers have warned that the government’s heavy-handed response may lead to increased unrest, pointing to deep-seated issues like corruption and economic mismanagement. Abuja-based lawyer Patrick Etim stated that the government’s actions signal a toughening stance against future protests, especially since the #EndBadGovernance movement emerged spontaneously rather than being organized by labor or civil society groups. Another lawyer, Emmanuel Itodo, called for evidence to support the serious charges against the protesters, arguing that without proof, they should be released unconditionally.

Bassey criticized the government’s lack of engagement with protesters’ demands, noting that the situation is becoming untenable for many citizens. He highlighted the pressing need for the government to listen, especially with planned protests on October 1, coinciding with Nigeria’s Independence Day. Bassey pointed out the extreme hardships citizens are facing, with skyrocketing costs of living, including petrol prices reaching as high as N1,900 in certain areas. He emphasized that if protests arise, the government itself would be the main catalyst for public discontent.

Written by: Blossom Kugbere.

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