Posted by Activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju of Nigeria accused the government on Wednesday of making demonstrations illegal in the nation.
Adeyanju criticized the Nigerian government for locking up the demonstrators behind the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement but for not prosecuting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
He made the statement as ten protesters were each fined N10 million by the Federal High Court in Abuja for their roles in the attempted coup d’état that occurred between July 1 and August 4 of this year.
In judgment on their bail applications, Justice Emeka Nwite admitted them to bail. The demonstrators must meet certain requirements, including providing a surety in Abuja who is resident and who can guarantee the same amount.
Reacting, Adeyanju stated that the criminalization of protest is an attempt by only a tyrant.
“Protest can never be a crime,” the activist lawyer told AIT. No government should be afraid to stand up to despots that try to limit basic freedoms that everyone should be able to exercise without interference. Any government that attempts to criminalize protest is a dictator.
The administration should be addressing the serious problems confronting the nation instead of spending time on meaningless matters. Consider Yahaya Bello’s insecurities.
Although he is not immune to legal consequences, he is evading them. People who are standing up for the common good—to improve our nation—are, however, being imprisoned.
The demonstrators’ claims of wanting greater welfare, an end to hyperinflation, and a return to a system without gasoline price hikes are very reasonable.
People have robbed this nation dry, so how can these become crimes? No one is bringing them to justice. No one is bringing charges against the terrorists who kidnapped and murdered a traditional king.
“Why should we be wasting our time with frivolities when we can just cut to the chase and get our country working again? Democratic principles are being advocated for in this demonstration.
“You can’t arrest the NLC President and say you are addressing protesters. What is wrong with protesting? Didn’t these people in government once protest?
“Protest will always be legal, and citizens are encouraged to protest every day if they wish to.”