The Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Reform, CODER, has written President Bola Tinubu, expressing outrage and concern over what it described as unjust detention and the unfair trial of prisoners of conscience, journalists and protesters who have been peacefully advocating for an end to bad governance and seeking a better Nigeria for all citizens.
The group, in a letter dated September 2, 2024 and signed by Chief Peter Ameh, its coordinator, said the detention of the journalists and protesters is a blatant violation of their fundamental human rights and a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices.
“It is unacceptable that your administration continues to trample on the rights of citizens who are demanding a more just and equitable society,” the letter, which was made available.
“We demand that you take immediate action to release these detainees and drop all charges against them.
“We also call on your administration to address the systemic issues that led to their protests, including corruption, inequality, and social injustice.
“The continued detention of these individuals is a stain on Nigeria’s democracy and a betrayal of the trust placed in Government as source of sincere representation.
“We expect a more robust response to these grievances and a commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens.
“The right to protest is a fundamental human right recognized under various international and regional instruments, United Nations Charter (Article 20): recognizes the right to peaceful assembly and association, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 21): protects the right to peaceful assembly, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 11): recognizes the right to freedom of assembly and association and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 40): guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“These instruments acknowledge the importance of protest as a means of expressing grievances, promoting accountability, and advocating for change.
“From all indications your administration has failed to respect these principles and authorities in the engagement with peaceful protesters.
“Don’t forget that you were once in their shoes as a young protesters who wanted a better country or was it all a pretense to power, Like fake it till you make it?”
