PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 JULY 2024
Abuja –
CLEEN FOUNDATION CALLS FOR CAUTION, PRESERVATION OF CITIZENS’ AND SECURITY PERSONNEL’S RIGHTS, AND CONTINUOUS DIALOGUE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE PROPOSED NATIONAL PROTEST
As Nigerians are on tenterhooks over the proposed Nationwide protest slated for Thursday, 1st of August 2024, despite appeals from the government and concerned stakeholders for a reconsideration by the organizers, CLEEN Foundation is concerned about the safety and rights of the citizens on the one side and that of the security personnel, the protection of property, and the security of critical infrastructure of the country that had in previous protests taken a big hit from unscrupulous elements who hijack the process to cause mayhem.
The proposed protest is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in International Human Rights Instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process. Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people. They enable citizens to collectively and effectively express their opinions, grievances, and demands. These rights are expressly stated in Sections, 39, 40, and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While we acknowledge these rights as provided for by the constitution, it is crucial to recognize the provisions of Section 45 of the Constitution, which underscores the importance of balancing individual rights with the collective need for public safety and order. As an organization committed to Public Safety and security, we emphasize the importance of exercising these rights responsibly and peacefully.
We urge all participants in the protest to exercise their rights responsibly, conduct the protest peacefully without resorting to violence or vandalism, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, respect the rights of others, and be mindful of public property and the safety of all individuals.
Ensuring a peaceful protest is a shared responsibility. Both the state and the protesters must collaborate to prevent any escalation of violence. As such, we urge the government and its agents, particularly the Nigeria Police, who have a fundamental duty to ensure the safety and security of all citizens during such events to ensure that the protest is conducted in a safe environment. The government owes a duty to its citizens to provide adequate security to safeguard peaceful protesters from any elements that may seek to disrupt the event and cause chaos. Public safety must not be compromised.
In ensuring safety and compliance of security agencies with the universal principle of Human rights, CLEEN Foundation would open its Situation Room on Thursday, August 1, to monitor the conduct of Security personnel during the protest. Freely call our numbers +234-7067899368, +234-8133051024, +234-8060023936, 09027146376, +234-8073342922 and report incidences of rights violation.
CLEEN Foundation calls for peace and continuous dialogue among all parties involved to address grievances and find amicable solutions. While we urge the government and security agencies to respect and protect the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order.
Gad Peter, Ph.D
Executive Director