Nationwide protests: Courts institute restrictions to time, venues to curb potential security threats
…Protests can be hijacked by bandits, insurgents, other criminals — FG
By Our Correspondents
As tensions run high as the country begins nationwide protest today, August 1, the courts have waded in to curb potential security threats.
Courts across various states in a move to ensure security of lives and properties have instituted orders restricting the venues and time limits of the protest.
The protest, organised to address the country’s economic hardships, has stirred a mix of anxiety, fear, and suspense among Nigerians. While some are eager to participate in the protest, others have opted out, citing concerns about potential violence and breakdown of law and order.
In Abuja, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has restricted participants in the planned August 1 hunger protest against the federal government to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji issued the order on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought before him by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Minister had sought an interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices, and public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The Minister claimed that while the federal government was not opposed to the protest, intelligence and security reports indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intended to use the protest to cause havoc, damage public facilities, block roadways, and disturb public peace.
“In light of the above, the court considers it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are guaranteed and that the protest does not negatively or adversely affect the rights of other citizens to move about and to ensure that properties and other public facilities are not destroyed,” the judge held.
For Lagos, a Lagos High Court granted an ex parte application filed by the State’s Attorney General, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Lawal Pedro seeking to restrict the proposed August 1 nationwide protest, in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.
In Ilorin, the Chief Magistrate Jibril Bio Salihu of an Ilorin court ordered organisers of the August 1 protest in Kwara State to restrict themselves to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the state capital.
Granting an ex parte order on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the court said it agreed with the Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice Barr. Senior Ibrahim Sulyman that such a protest could degenerate into violence if protesters are allowed to do as they wish.
The respondents in the case are the Director State Security Service, Kwara State; Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command; the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp; Take-It-Back Movement; Mr. Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed; and unknown persons.
“After listening to Senior Ibrahim Sulyman Esq., Attorney General of Kwara State, the applicant herein and after a careful perusal of the 5 paragraphs affidavit as well as the written address in support of the motion ex-parte, the following orders are hereby granted,” according to the order signed by Chief Magistrate (DCR Litigation) Jibril Bio Salihu.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 4th-6th respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them to converge, carry, conduct any act or form of their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, processions and or meetings in any other place other than Metropolitan Square/Asa Dam Road, Kwara State in the interest of the general public for a period of 7 days, effective from the 1st August, 2024.”
“It is also ordered that the 1st-3rd respondents are directed to provide adequate security for the protection of lives and properties of all citizens and residents of Kwara State, as well as the infrastructure provided by the Kwara State Government against the 4th-6th respondents act, protest, or any form of protest for a period of 7days effective from the 1st August, 2024 or any other day pending the determination of the motion on notice.
“It is also ordered that all the court processes filed in respect of this suit be served on the 4th-6th respondents by pasting same at the High Court of Justice premises.”
The situation is also the same in Ogun state as the Ogun State High Court on Wednesday ordered the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests to limit their activities to four locations in the state.
The court also restricted the time frame of the protests to between 8 am and 5 pm.
Granting an application moved by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), Justice O. Ogunfowora directed that all protests under the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria slogan or any other slogan from 1 August 2024 to 10 August 2024 must be limited in place and time.
The judge prohibited the protesters from protesting anywhere in the state except at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
The Attorney-General explained that the four locations are across the four divisions of the state in the three senatorial districts, allowing protesters in those vicinities to conveniently participate in the protests under adequate protection and without infringing on the rights of any non-protesting members of the public.
The judge, in his ruling, also prohibited any protest from taking place outside the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
The judge further directed the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State to enforce the order and ensure that the protests are held only in the specified locations and during the time periods stated in the order.
The judge declared that the order would last for seven days and ordered the State to serve the application on notice within that period.
Justice Ogunfowora shortened the time for the protesters to respond to the application to 72 hours.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government (FG) has expressed concerns that the protest may be hijacked by criminals and has urged citizens to engage in dialogue instead. Security forces have intensified deployments nationwide, with a strong presence in the federal capital city, Abuja.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, briefing journalists and media executives in Abuja on Wednesday, noted that the government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by criminals.
He emphasised that the government remains open to dialogue and appealed to Nigerians to shun calls for protest and prioritise peace and progress.
Akume said, “Government is wary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced, and we remain open to such.”
He added, “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies.”
Akume also highlighted the administration’s accomplishments, including policy measures taken to address economic challenges and security issues.
He emphasised that the government is working to create a Nigeria where peace and stability are realities, and economic growth is a tangible outcome.
“It is in the light of these aforementioned situations and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is a work in progress and due course, we shall breathe a sigh of relief. The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender, and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress. For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue, and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or associations that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant as well.
“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” the SGF said.
On the other hand, Nigerian NewsDirect gathered that the Headquarters of the Security Forces located in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, again issued fresh operational orders to their State Commands and Zonal Headquarters with strict instructions to protect citizens, both private and public properties.
They have also placed their formations on red alert for easy mobilisation in case of eventuality while issuances of passes or leaves are put on hold.
Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, held a last-minute Zoom meeting with top police commanders to discuss the upcoming protest.
Despite efforts to persuade organizers to halt the protest, including a meeting with Chief Femi Falana and Ebun Adegoruwa, the protest is proceeding. Security has been beefed up in Abuja, with armed soldiers and police mounting checkpoints at entry and exit points.
Eagle Square, the designated protest venue, has been taken over by security forces, who have declared it a Security Zone. Organisers insist that Eagle Square is public property and must be allowed for the protest, while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has advised them to keep off. As of press time, there is a heavy presence of armed security personnel in the capital city.
Despite warnings from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, protest organizers are insisting on proceeding with the demonstration at Eagle Square, which has been taken over by security forces.
…CDHR joins protest, charges members, citizens to exercise their fundamental human right
In a related development, The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Osun state chapter, has declared its support for the August 1st to 10th nationwide protest, demanding that the government address the economic challenges facing the country.
This was contained in signed Wednesday evening by the CDHR State Chairman, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel charging its members and general public to join the protest, citing the right to peaceful assembly as a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and international laws.
He called on citizens to hold all elected office holders accountable for their actions.
He charged all security apparatus to be professional enough to curtail elements of destruction and violence during the protest.
According to statement, “CDHR has resolved to identify with the protest and state a solution to the economic challenges by demanding the following:”
“The government must, as a matter of urgency, attend to the inappropriate fuel subsidy removal, hike in electricity tariffs, heavy taxes on the formal and informal sectors, hike in tuition fees, and hyperinflation, among others.
“CDHR charged the Nigerian people to hold all elected office holders accountable, and the government at all levels (state governors, senators, the honorable members, and local government chairmen).
“CDHR charged all the security apparatus to be professional enough to curtail elements of destruction and violence during the protest ).
“CDHR condemned all comments tagging the planned protest ethnic coloration as some of the demands of the planned protest affect all Nigerian masses.
“CDHR acknowledged recent measures by the federal government to restructure the country and to ease mass suffering: a breakthrough in local government autonomy and the signing of a new minimum wage into law, among others,” the statement added.
Also, the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has expressed his disappointment over the methods used by Nigerian security agencies in handling civil unrest.
The governor stated this on Wednesday while openly backing the planned nationwide protest.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House, Yusuf expressed his frustration with the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of insubordination and failure to follow directives of the state government.
“I can’t understand why the security agencies, especially the police, will not obey our orders,” he said.
“When we tell them to do this or that, they will tell us they received an order from ‘above.’ Who is the ‘above’? I am the chief security officer in the state. If you have a problem with that, go and change the Nigerian constitution,” he said.
The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has also urged the government to take concrete steps to alleviate the economic difficulties faced by the people. “We must find proper ways to help the needy and ensure that what is given to them reaches them,” the Emir remarked during the meeting.
