Protest: CAPPA Urges Tinubu To Address Nation And Calm Tensions
As Nigeria braces for nationwide protests scheduled from August 1 to 10, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the nation. The NGO recommends a state-of-the-nation broadcast to engage with the public’s grievances, reduce tensions, and foster unity amid the current unrest.
CAPPA emphasized the importance of the President affirming his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights. The group urged the President to ensure that all government bodies safeguard the lives and welfare of every citizen. They specifically called on the Nigerian police and security agencies to uphold their constitutional obligations by allowing citizens to peacefully assemble without interference.
The protest, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, has gained momentum over the past three weeks, driven by frustration over the rising cost of living and economic challenges stemming from reforms initiated by the Federal Government since May 29 last year.
The situation has been exacerbated by inflammatory statements on social media and traditional platforms, adding ethnic tensions to the protests. Various groups have engaged in a war of words, heightening national anxiety. Institutions like the police, Department of State Security, Nigerian Army, and the judiciary have been drawn into the controversy, with government actions reflecting a disregard for citizens’ rights and international human rights obligations.
For example, despite receiving a formal request from protest organizers, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, denied permission to use Eagle Square for demonstrations. Similarly, the Inspector General of Police met with protest organizers but refused their preferred venues, restricting protests to designated areas.
In Lagos, the state government obtained a court order limiting protests to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota and Freedom Park at Ketu. CAPPA criticized these judicial actions, calling them an exploitation aimed at suppressing dissent and diminishing citizens’ rights to demand accountability.
The organization pointed out that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedoms of expression, assembly, and movement. Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also protect these rights.
CAPPA stated, “A peaceful protest is a legitimate mechanism for citizens to vent their grievances against unfavorable government policies. Any attempt to undermine this is an assault on democracy. Genuine governance requires participation, inclusion, and expression for all citizens.”
The group urged both state and non-state actors to avoid criminalizing and victimizing peaceful protesters. CAPPA encouraged Nigerians to remain united and peaceful, urging security forces to prevent any attempts by sponsored groups to disrupt peaceful protests.
