Despite the wise counsel of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right, recognized internationally, regionally, and nationally level, security agents on Tuesday fired teargas canisters to disperse protesters in Abuja. The protesters who had gathered at the Utako area of Abuja, preparatory to moving to
Despite the wise counsel of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right, recognized internationally, regionally, and nationally level, security agents on Tuesday fired teargas canisters to disperse protesters in Abuja.
The protesters who had gathered at the Utako area of Abuja, preparatory to moving to Eagle Square, the designated venue of the protest, took to their heels when thick teargas smoke enveloped the Utako market to the Arab village part of Utako.
Policemen from the Wuye district of the city and their colleagues at Berger roundabout and Jabi garage were said to have swooped on the protesters like desperate hunters after a game. Sensing danger, the protesters took to their heels dumping copies of the national flag and placards they were carrying during the “Fearless In October” protest over bad governance in Abuja.
Tuesday’s aborted protest is coming on the heels of a 10-day protest held in August 2024 tagged #EndBadGovernance protests. The protesters waved the Nigerian Green-White-Green flag and banners with various inscriptions such as “EndBadGovernance”, “DiasporaVoting”, and “EndHighLivingCosts”, amongst others.
The Executive Secretary, of the National Human Rights Commission NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu at a press briefing on Monday said the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right recognized internationally, regionally, and at the national level.
NHRC according to Dr. Ojukwu said the Commission is acting under section 5, paragraphs (m) and (o) of the NHRC (Amendment) Act of 2010, stressing that the law and principles for the enjoyment and protection of the right to peaceful assembly and association.
He said “In Nigeria, this right is enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and further strengthened by international and regional human rights instruments. Section 40 provides that: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.
FCT Police Reacts
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Tuesday debunked stories making the rounds of attack on #FearlessInOctober protesters noting that the Command took proactive measures to avert looting of shops at Utako Market.
According to a press statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh:” Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them.
She added that as a responsible agency, the Police could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening.
“The command wishes to categorically debunk the narrative, tagging it completely false and misleading. Acting on intelligence, the operatives only took measures to forestall some miscreants who were taking advantage of the protest to loot shops in the market and as a result, extended focus to them. As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening.
“We, therefore, urge the populace to disregard such misleading and mischievous information, as the command is committed to ensuring the safety of the populace in the exercise of their civil rights”, the statement read.
Kaduna State
Unlike the EndBad governance protests, Kaduna State residents went about their daily activities as most residents failed to show the interest usual in the #October1Fearless protest.
Despite initial apprehension, businesses in the metropolis and surrounding areas remained open, and shops in the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi Central Market were operational.
Some residents observed the Independence Day holiday in a low-key manner, while others carried on with their normal activities. It was observed that security personnel, including the police, civil defence, and Department of State Services, were deployed to strategic locations across the state, such as Narayi High Cost, Barnawa Complex, and Stadium Roundabout, as a precautionary measure.
Katsina State
Social and commercial activities were in top gear on Tuesday in Katsina, the Katsina State capital, as residents of the state shunned the October 1 nationwide protest.
It was observed that residents were busy observing their routine commercial and private activities unfettered.
It was further gathered that markets, motor parks, supermarkets, and other economic activities within and outside the shores of the ancient city were going on unhindered, oblivious of the proposed protest.
Commercial motorists, motorcyclists, and tricyclists were also seen on major streets in the city conveying passengers to and from their various destinations as few security operatives were seen protecting critical state and national assets.
