As Nigeria prepares for a nationwide wave of protests scheduled for Monday, 7 April 2025, Amnesty International has called on the government to protect the constitutional rights of citizens to peacefully protest and express dissent.
In a statement released on Sunday, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized the importance of respecting both national and international human rights standards. He urged security agencies to ensure peaceful demonstrators are allowed to exercise their rights without fear of repression.
“The Nigerian authorities must guarantee the right to peaceful protest, a right enshrined in the Nigerian constitution and international treaties,” Sanusi said. “Government officials must refrain from rhetoric that demonizes protesters and attempts to stifle dissent.”
The protests are being organized in response to claims of increasing government crackdowns on freedom of expression, particularly through the alleged misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to silence critics. Civil society groups have voiced concerns about the government’s growing control over online discourse.
Michael Christian, Social Media and Communications Officer at Amnesty International Nigeria, warned that the government must not use the protests as a pretext for further curbing civil liberties. “Authorities should not use this as an excuse to undermine fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly and expression,” he said. “Any action against peaceful protest is not only illegal but also an affront to democratic values.”
Amnesty International emphasized that the protests represent a vital opportunity for the Nigerian government to uphold democratic principles and show its commitment to human rights. “This is a chance for the authorities to demonstrate their dedication to the rule of law by allowing Nigerians to freely express their views,” the organization stated.
Both the Nigerian Constitution and international agreements such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights protect citizens’ rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
Organizers of the upcoming protests have confirmed their intent to proceed peacefully, with calls for reforms, greater accountability, and a renewed commitment to civil liberties.
Comments