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By Emmanuel Kwada
In a significant move, the Ulama Forum in Nigeria has released a statement addressing the significant implications of the August 2024 End Bad Governance protest, which took place from August 1 to 10. The protest, aimed at voicing grievances concerning the rising cost of living, inflation, and security issues, has not only resulted in institutional chaos but also led to the controversial arrest of several individuals, including minors, on charges of sedition and treason.
The Forum expressed concerns over the credibility and survival of Nigeria’s democratic processes, as well as the overall peace and security of the nation following the mass demonstrations by youths driven by frustration over poor living conditions.
The Forum highlighted the government’s inadequate response to the protests, noting that instead of addressing the pressing complaints raised by the youth, authorities chose to treat the demonstrations as a security threat.
The situation spiraled into civil unrest due to a lack of adequate response from both the Federal and State Governments
Following the protests, numerous arrests ensued, sparking outrage, particularly regarding the treatment of minors among those detained. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage suggested that many of the individuals apprehended were innocent bystanders caught in the chaos.
“While the majority of demonstrators adhered to lawful procedures,” the statement read, “the situation spiraled into civil unrest due to a lack of adequate response from both the Federal and State Governments.” The Forum criticized the government’s narrative shift, labeling the protests as acts of sedition and treason, particularly after demonstrators displayed a Russian flag.
The Ulama Forum noted that the perception of Nigeria internationally was severely impacted by the treatment of minors in custody and called upon the government to drop all sedition and treason charges against the protesters. They argued that raising flags is a common practice in many democracies and should not be criminalized.
Legitimate protests must be recognized as a constitutional right
The Forum, while acknowledging the complexities of maintaining law and order, recommended that legitimate protests must be recognized as a constitutional right. Furthermore, they emphasized that the police should focus on de-escalation rather than resorting to force, citing a failure to address violent incidents during the protests as captured in various social media clips.
Also at the forefront of the Forum’s recommendations was a call for the President to establish an independent investigation panel to thoroughly assess the events surrounding the protests, with findings aimed at ensuring justice and accountability for any misconduct identified.
Ulama Forum encouraged the Federal Government to actively listen to citizens’ concerns and strive toward delivering good governance
In closing, the Ulama Forum encouraged the Federal Government to actively listen to citizens’ concerns and strive toward delivering good governance, emphasizing that reforms in the criminal justice system and improvements in law enforcement practices are crucial for the future stability of Nigeria.
The statement was signed by prominent members of the Ulama Forum, who represent various states in Nigeria under the able leadership of Aminu Inuwa Muhammad MSW, MFCE, the convener, and Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, General Secretary.
