Human rights activist and lawyer, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, has called on Nigerians to continue with the planned October 1 protests against hardship in the country, despite the detention of several protesters.
Effiong, who represents some of the detained #EndBadGovernance protesters, criticized the government for what he called the “criminalization of protest” under President Tinubu’s administration.
Effiong emphasized that Nigerians have a constitutional right to protest, saying, “Nigerians have the right to protest every day if they choose to. The constitution does not limit the duration or reasons for protest as long as it is lawful and legitimate. Deploying security agents to arrest peaceful protesters is wrong and condemnable.”
He encouraged citizens not to be afraid of exercising their rights, adding, “This country belongs to all Nigerians, not to President Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress. People must conquer their fears and insist on their rights.”
Despite the ongoing detention and trials of some protesters, Effiong remains resolute in defending their rights. “We will continue to stand up for anyone whose rights are violated due to peaceful protest. The arrests are baseless, and we must remain determined to uphold justice,” he said.
When asked about the government’s continued prosecution of detained protesters, Effiong explained that legal actions are being taken to secure their release. “We are challenging their detention in court, and some have already been granted bail. For the upcoming October 1 protest, we are engaging with law enforcement to ensure the safety of participants,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about the atmosphere of fear surrounding the protests, Effiong said, “People shouldn’t be scared. The government is only trying to distract Nigerians from the real issues. The attempt to terrorize people must be defeated.”
Effiong also reflected on his personal experience with human rights violations, stating that his detention only strengthened his resolve. “Those in authority are not democrats, they are dictators. The Tinubu regime is not democratic, and their actions, such as arresting journalists and protesters, prove that.”
In his closing remarks, Effiong expressed confidence that justice would be served for the detained protesters. “We are not worried about the charges. The government even claimed some committed treason on WhatsApp. It’s important for us to hold our leaders accountable, and that’s what we will do.”
As the October 1 protest approaches, Effiong remains hopeful that Nigerians will come out in large numbers. “Nigerians have refused to be a conquered people. The situation in the country is terrible, and protests are a way to demand change. People shouldn’t be intimidated by an inept administration.”
