UPDATE: FG FREES SIX #EndBadGovernance PROTESTERD, TO ARRAIGN THREE
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The federal government freed six #EndBadGovernance protesters this weekend, out of a total of 1,403 arrested and imprisoned across the country.
Recall that a Federal High Court in Abuja recently granted a seemingly impossible bail of N10 million apiece to ten protesters charged with treason.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, were triggered by an escalating economic crisis, hunger, and calls for better governance. However, security agents employed disproportionate force, resulting in fatalities and arrests.
This comes as some lawyers questioned the Federal Government’s’repressive’ actions against protesters in reaction to the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
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They said that allegations of treasonable felony and sedition against protestors were unjustified and intended to intimidate individuals.
Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), voiced alarm over the Federal Government’s silence on the demands of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrators over the weekend.
According to credible security sources, the six individuals were released last Thursday in Kaduna State on the directives of Adeola Ajayi, Director General of the Department of State Service, DSS.
The DSS also announced that three of the demonstrators would be charged in court.
“The top source, yesterday, told Vanguard: “The DG DSS is not interested in the incarceration of innocent citizens for expressing their constitutional rights, but is also not going to allow criminal elements take laws into their hands.
Lawyers condemn FG’s’repressive’ methods against #EndBadGovernance demonstrators.
The lawyers cautioned that the government’s actions could spark greater upheaval by emphasising long-standing issues about corruption, insecurity, and economic mismanagement.
Mr. Patrick Etim, an Abuja-based lawyer, stated, “The government is sending a message that Nigerians should be aware of tougher times ahead.” It intends to grow more oppressive and has charged #EndBadGovernance demonstrators with treason and sedition in order to dissuade future protests.
“This strong message is being sent because the #EndBadGovernance protests were not organized by labor or civil society groups; instead, they were a spontaneous movement embraced by citizens to express their anger.
“The government’s harsh response indicates that similar spontaneous protests could become more violent in the future.”
Another lawyer, Emmanuel Itodo, said: “Is there any video or photographic evidence showing that those arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests plotted to overthrow the state?
“The charges of terrorism or terrorism financing are so serious that the government should provide evidence that they took up arms against the state. In the absence of such evidence, they should be released unconditionally. Everything must be based on evidence or hard facts.”
Govt’s silence over protesters’ demand ill advised —Bassey
Bassey in an interview with Vanguard, said: “Government’s silence is an ill advised strategy. This not too late to respond and act now. The weight on the people is excruciatingly high.
“The demands were simple. The basic job of government is the create an atmosphere in which citizens have the minimum required to meet basic human needs.
“Notice has been given about October 1, protests. It will be another opportunity for government to show of it is capable of listening and hearing.
“Subterfuge, counter mobilizations and other such shenanigans are totally uncalled for and should be avoided.
“Protest is a human right and national Independence Day is a good day to see if we are truly independent.
“Nigerians are extremely tolerant. They bear hardship as though it is a badge of honour. What other pains must they bear before they shout? What is the government expecting when cost of living has gone through the roof? A litre of petrol costs N1,400 at Uyo, while it is N1,900 at Eket in an oil producing state of Akwa-Ibom, and more elsewhere. And people need foreign instigation to protest? Tell me something else. If there is a protest the mastermind is the government.”
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