It is illegal to clamp down on peaceful protesters
By Emeka Gift
(For Family Writers)
The right to join in protest or peaceful assembly is critical functions of democracy. But it is also unfortunately true that police can violate this right through mass arrests, illegal use of force, criminalization of protest, and other means intended to thwart freedom of association and expression.
Standing up for your right to protest is legitimate in democracy, also knowing your rights is the most powerful weapon you have against police abuse. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and protest. This is a right closely linked to the right to freedom of expression. It provides a means for public expression and is one of the foundations of a democratic society. One will ask do Nigeria practice democracy? this is a question most Nigerians will answer “NO”
The right to peaceful assembly/protest cannot be interfered by Nigerian Police merely because there is disagreement with the views of the protesters or because it is likely to be inconvenient or there might be tension and heated exchange between IPOB protesters and Nigerian Police. It is the fundamental right of every human to express his/her views peacefully without police clamping down on them.
It is the obligation of the government to take reasonable steps to facilitate the right to freedom of assembly and to protect participants in peaceful demonstrations not violating their right with the use of arms. Nigeria government should trade with caution with those who seek for self determination, they might think that the world is not watching but the truth is that the world has beam up satellite on Nigeria.
By Emeka Gift
(For Family Writers)
The right to join in protest or peaceful assembly is critical functions of democracy. But it is also unfortunately true that police can violate this right through mass arrests, illegal use of force, criminalization of protest, and other means intended to thwart freedom of association and expression.
Standing up for your right to protest is legitimate in democracy, also knowing your rights is the most powerful weapon you have against police abuse. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and protest. This is a right closely linked to the right to freedom of expression. It provides a means for public expression and is one of the foundations of a democratic society. One will ask do Nigeria practice democracy? this is a question most Nigerians will answer “NO”
The right to peaceful assembly/protest cannot be interfered by Nigerian Police merely because there is disagreement with the views of the protesters or because it is likely to be inconvenient or there might be tension and heated exchange between IPOB protesters and Nigerian Police. It is the fundamental right of every human to express his/her views peacefully without police clamping down on them.
It is the obligation of the government to take reasonable steps to facilitate the right to freedom of assembly and to protect participants in peaceful demonstrations not violating their right with the use of arms. Nigeria government should trade with caution with those who seek for self determination, they might think that the world is not watching but the truth is that the world has beam up satellite on Nigeria.
Clamping down on peaceful protesters is a blatant violation of the fundamental Right of Assembly; this will surely backfire on the Nigerian Government sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteWHERE IS THE RULE OF LAW? WHERE IS THE DEMOCRACY? THE SECURITY FORCES WHO ARE TO PROTECT LIVES, TURN TO BE DESTROYERS AND KILLERS OF LIVES THEIR ARE MEANT TO PROTECT!THE UN,AU AND WORLD LEADERS, HOW SILENT YOU ALL ARE!!!
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ReplyDeleteHope the enslaved Nigerian Government will not be deceived by their colonial master (Britain) and think that We (BIAFRANS) don’t know what we are talking about, or that we are only youth that didn’t witnessed the civil war? Hope the Government will not take ugly trend of shooting and provoking the already wounded people of Biafrans as they carry out their peaceful protest against the illegal detention of our amiable Director Nnamdi Kanu?
I enjoin the Government of Nigeria not to trust on their arms or on fake support from Britain, contained in their affirmation and support for contracted expired country called Nigeria unity letter issued!
If Nigeria arm forces abuse our right of expression and peaceful protest; that will amount imprisonment and intimidation of our right, which will trigger mayhem and violent, No abuse of our right and intimidation will be taking lightly; NIGERIA BE WARNED!!! Any intimidation and harassment by Nigeria arm forces will definitely lead to total revolution that will escalate above control to eventual disintegration of Nigeria and thus fast track actualization of Sovereignty State of Biafra!!!
Finally, whether they attack us or allow peace to rain: BIAFRA IS AT HAND! It must surely come!!!