Peaceful Protest Is Legitimate Right Guaranteed By Constitution, Stop Harassing Organisers–CDHR Warns Police, DSS

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (cdhr), in Osun State, on Monday warned security agencies in the country to stop harassing and intimidating organizers and intending participants of the proposed August 1 2024 nationwide protest.

Chairman of the CDHR, Emmanuel Olowu, in an interview with newsmen, cautioned the police and operative of the Department of State Services against provoking Nigerians and the protesters, especially by arresting them ahead of the protest.

Olowu said the protest is a constitutional right, noting that no amount of threats, intimidation, and persuasions can stop the planned protest.

He said the Commissioner of Police in Osun had a few days ago invited some activists to his office to discuss the protest.

According to Olowu, the purpose of the meeting was for the police to know the organizers of the protest in the state.

He however said there was no report of arrest of any of the activists intending to participate in the protest in Osun State.

He said, “I have read on social media that some people have been arrested and released in connection with the coming nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance. But nobody has been arrested in Osun, not to my knowledge.

“It is not new that the security agencies have embarked on harassing some who are suspected to be part of the organizers and people who want to participate in the demonstration. It is their usual practice. But we are resolute.

“The commissioner of police in Osun state had a few days ago called some of us to a meeting, which was meant to know the organizers of the protest.

“But no amount of threats, intimidation, and persuasions can stop the proposed protest.

A peaceful Demonstration is a legitimate right guaranteed by the constitution of Nigeria.

Government must address the demands of the protesters, the hardship in the country is no longer bearable”