…Says Its Unconstitutional
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Niger State police command for using excessive force to arrest several women protesters in Minna, stating that it is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens.
The right group warned that such actions by the police could lead to a totalitarian regime and calls on Nigerians to resist this trend.
HURIWA condemned the recent attempts by the Nigeria Police Force to curtail constitutional freedoms guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, including freedom of peaceful assembly.
The group urged Nigerians to denounce these plots against their rights and speak out against police brutality and unprofessional conduct, which have led many people into poverty since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into power in May 2023.
HURIWA who demanded the immediate release of all arrested protesters, stressed that they are exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights recognized globally under human rights laws including Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which Nigeria signed up as member states.
The group also highlights unconstitutional means used by Imo state Nasarawa state now followed by Niger state Command where peaceful protests were muzzled leading eventually violent protests becoming inevitable if continued.
‘’HURIWA appealed to Kayode Egbetokun Inspector-General Of Police to call his lawless commissioners who refuse compliance with human right laws or obeying tenets constitutionally laid down for country’s governance order them training therefore become compliant towards fundamental human right laws’’
The right group further emphasized that denying people their right to peaceful protest will inevitably lead to mass revolution resulting in devastating consequences while urging the law enforcement agencies like the police not only be aware but train themselves accordingly so they can abide by human rights laws while enforcing duties within communities across country.
HURIWA believed that arresting peaceful protesters demanding good governance is an insult not only towards those individuals but also towards millions living below poverty line according National Bureau statistics report few months back over 133 million multidimensionally poor Nigerians. Policemen too are among poorest citizens hence baffling why impoverished officers would be deployed as weapons against protesting women asking government for resolution amelioration high cost living standard prevailing daily life across nation.
