Barely a few hours into the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, the Nigerian police are already failing in their duty and promise to safeguard protesters as citizens’ distrust in governance widens even more.

Development Diaries reports that protesters in the Federal Capital Territory and Bauchi are being teargassed by the officers of the Nigeria Police Force despite orders from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructing officers of the force to protect protesters.

In Abuja, we understand that the police are trying to confine the protesters to the MKO Abiola National Stadium as the police insist on a court order restricting areas of protest in the Nigerian capital.

However, the constitution of the country does not restrict protests to certain geographical locations.

Nigerians have the right to peaceful assembly, as recognised in Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, and this right must be respected.

The right of citizens to protest in Nigeria has been frequently met with the excessive use of force by security agencies, arbitrary arrests, and the stigmatisation of protesters.

Protesters are out in numbers across the nation, a demonstration of their participation in the governance of the country as guaranteed by law.

Development Diaries calls on the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, to call the officers of the police force to order and ensure every peaceful protester is protected as promised.

We also urge protesters to avoid the incitement of violence in the cover of the #EndBadGovernance protest, as security operatives have a duty to maintain law and order.

Photo source: Tope Asokere