In a shocking display of authoritarian overreach, the federal government has initiated mass trials of #EndBadGovernance protesters, marking a dark chapter in the nation's democratic history. This egregious act not only tramples on the fundamental rights of citizens but also exposes the government's blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
The charges of treason leveled against these protesters for their alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government are nothing short of farcical. Let us be clear: peaceful protest is not treason; it is a cornerstone of democracy. By criminalizing dissent, the government is committing the real act of treason against the country’s constitutional order and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
The irony is palpable. While the government busies itself with persecuting its critics, the very issues that sparked these protests - hunger, poverty, and economic hardship - continue to ravage the nation unchecked. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, the administration has doubled down on its misguided policies, as evidenced by the recent 30% hike in petrol prices. This tone-deaf response only serves to pour gasoline on the flames of public discontent.
The mass arrests and detentions reported by Amnesty International are deeply troubling. Over 1,000 protesters, including minors, have been denied access to legal representation and subjected to inhumane treatment. This is not justice; it is a mockery of it. The planned mass trials are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to silence dissent and punish those who dare to speak out against the government's failures.
We call on the federal government to immediately and unconditionally release all detained protesters. Furthermore, we demand a thorough investigation into the reported killings of protesters in Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa, and Maiduguri. The use of excessive force and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators is a gross violation of human rights and must not go unpunished.
It is high time for the government to realign its priorities. Instead of wasting resources on suppressing dissent, focus should be placed on rescuing millions of Nigerians from the brink of starvation. Address the rampant insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement that plague the country. Listen to the voices of the people, for they are not your enemies but your constituents, deserving of respect and good governance.
To President Tinubu and his administration: your legacy is at stake. Will you be remembered as the government that crushed democratic freedoms, or as one that listened to its people and worked tirelessly to improve their lives? The choice is yours, but know this - the eyes of the world are upon you, and history will judge your actions.
The right to peaceful protest is non-negotiable in a democratic society. It is not a privilege granted by the government, but a fundamental right of the people. Any attempt to suppress this right is an attack on the very foundation of the country’s democracy.
We stand in solidarity with the protesters and all those who peacefully exercise their right to demand better governance. To the Nigerian people: do not be silenced. Your voices matter, and together, we can build the Nigeria we deserve - a nation of justice, prosperity, and true democracy.
The government must act now. Release the protesters, drop all charges, and address the root causes of discontent. Anything less is a betrayal of the very democratic principles that enthroned this government and legitimize it.
