By Lawrence Zongo....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
The recent detention of social media advocate Junaidu Abdullahi, also known as Abusalma, and Bashir Abubakar in Kano State has drawn condemnation from the Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN). The arrests were made following their calls for nonviolent demonstrations against the prevalent hunger and economic difficulties in Nigeria.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
Preserving the Freedom of Assembly
In a statement, CEFSAN’s Public Interest Litigation Group stressed the significance of the right to peaceful assembly, a right protected by both national and international law. The group emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of their status, has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, which are fundamental components of democracy. CEFSAN highlighted that these rights are safeguarded under Section 40 of Nigeria’s Constitution, Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Articles 10 and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Immediate Release Urged
CEFSAN has urged the immediate and unconditional release of Abusalma and Abubakar. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., the organization’s Executive Director, stated that the arrests undermine democratic principles and the rule of law. Yankuzo emphasized that the Nigerian authorities must respect individuals’ rights to express their grievances peacefully.
Deteriorating Economic Circumstances
The arrests occurred amidst worsening economic conditions in Nigeria, with the country grappling with unprecedented levels of inflation, leading to high costs of essential items such as food, medicine, electricity, and tuition fees. Millions of Nigerians are facing extreme poverty and hunger, with many having to resort to begging to survive. CEFSAN pointed out that this hardship is largely due to social injustices and the misallocation of resources, which benefit only a select few while leaving the majority impoverished.
Amnesty International’s View
Amnesty International Nigeria has also denounced the arrests and urged the Nigerian authorities to release Abusalma immediately and unconditionally. They emphasized that at a time when millions of people are on the brink of starvation, arresting critical voices should not be the priority of the Nigerian authorities. Amnesty International Nigeria criticized the government’s actions as an attempt to stifle dissent rather than address the underlying issues of corruption, mismanagement, and inequality.
Repression in Historical Context
This is not an isolated incident of Nigerian authorities suppressing peaceful protests. In February, several individuals were detained in Minna, Niger State, for protesting the high cost of living. Similar protests against the rising price of flour in Kano also led to the detention of a local bread bakers’ leader. These incidents underscore a worrisome pattern of repressing dissent and stifling freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Moving Forward
CEFSAN and other human rights organizations are calling on the Nigerian government to address the root causes of the country’s economic challenges and prioritize the well-being of the population. They urge the authorities to implement effective measures to combat poverty and inequality while listening to critics and working towards creating a more just and equitable society.
As Nigeria confronts these complex issues, it is crucial for the government to uphold democratic principles and ensure that all citizens can exercise their rights without fear of repression.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE
