The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has condemned the continuous violation of human rights by law enforcement agencies during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
The Rights Commission said the use of excessive force by Law Enforcement Agencies, while dispersing protesters and on Journalists is a continuos violation of the Rights to Peaceful protest and assembly, Freedom of Expression and the Press as well as other associated rights.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made this known in a statement, noting that citizens have the right to express their grievances as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other International Human Rights instruments Nigeria has signed and ratified.
Ojukwu also noted that Journalists have the rights to carry out their constitutional duties as the watchdog of the society without fear or intimidation, which is essential to a democratic society and should be respected and protected by Law Enforcement Agencies.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country however called on relevant authorities to investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators accountable, while urging, Law enforcement Agencies to respect the rule of engagement and adhere to international standards on policing protests.
Editor: Ken Eseni
