Pelumi Olajengbesi, a Human Rights lawyer, has made an earnest appeal to Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, concerning the ongoing case of 10 #EndBadGovernance demonstrators who are currently facing treasonable charges filed by the Federal Government.
In a letter delivered to the AGF’s office on Tuesday, Olajengbesi expressed his deep concerns over the criminalization of young protesters who, in August, peacefully demonstrated against hunger and poor governance in Nigeria. He argued that such actions by the government not only violate the rule of law but also infringe upon the fundamental rights to peaceful assembly and protest, as enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
Moreover, Olajengbesi highlighted that these rights are also protected under various international human rights agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory. He urged the Attorney General to reconsider the charges against these demonstrators, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights of citizens to express their grievances peacefully.
In his words; “To criminalise citizens for exercising their legitimate right to dissent through peaceful protest not only constitutes a breach of these legal protections but also tarnishes Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.”
He said the government’s approach was counterproductive and damaging to the ideals of democracy and freedom of expression. Appealing directly to Fagbemi’s status as a Senior Advocate, to uphold constitutional rights and protect citizens.
“It is incumbent upon us to prevent the normalization of criminalizing lawful dissent, which undermines the democratic fabric of our society.”
“Historically, governments that have resorted to such heavy-handed tactics have invariably eroded their legitimacy in the eyes of both the citizenry and the international community.”
“I have faith in your unwavering dedication to justice and the rule of law, and I am confident that your intervention will help realign the government’s approach towards a more just and democratic course.”
“Therefore, I earnestly appeal to you to ensure that all charges against the arrested protesters are immediately rescinded and that they are released without further delay. We must uphold the rule of law and refrain from punitive actions against those who merely seek to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed rights.” Olajengbesi said.
According to a news report, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday ordered that #EndBadGovernance protesters be remanded pending the hearing and ruling on their bail application slated for September 11, 2024, after they pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge, bordering on terrorism slammed against them by the Federal Government.
