The arrest and arraignment of #EndBadGovernance protesters by the Nigerian government is a grave violation of their fundamental rights.
Development Diaries reports that ten protesters have been charged by the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) office before an Abuja Federal High Court.
According to media reports, they were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged treason, mutiny and inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This is absolutely unacceptable.
Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are cornerstones of any democratic society, and the actions taken against these citizens undermine the very principles of democracy.
By branding their calls for better governance and the right to live without hunger as treasonous, the government is stifling legitimate dissent and fostering an environment of fear and repression.
Moreover, the use of charges such as mutiny and incitement against civilians who were exercising their constitutionally protected rights sets a dangerous pattern.
Also, this reflects an alarming disregard for the rule of law which President Tinubu consistently vows to protect.
It is also a disregard for the protections that should be afforded to all citizens, regardless of their political views or criticisms of the government.
It is quite sad that the Nigerian government has been incorrectly prioritising the punishment of protesters over the urgent need for an unbiased investigation into the killing of several protestors in Maiduguri, Jigawa, Suleja/Tafa, Kano, and Katsina.
Development Diaries calls on the IGP to release the protesters and stop criminalising peaceful protest. The government should instead engage in meaningful dialogue with citizens.
It is the duty of the government to listen to the voices of the people, address their grievances, and ensure that the rule of law is upheld for all, not selectively enforced against those who dare to speak out.
