ABUJA: Isa Sanusi, Director Amnesty International Nigeria, responding to the repression and arrests on 1 October during the #FearlessOctober peaceful protests against the cost-of-living crisis and bad governance warn that the use of force and arrest of peaceful protesters must come to an end.
Considering the fact that Nigeria is currently facing its worst economic crisis in three decades, the governmenT in power should be responsive to criticism and stop taking an aggressive approach toward peaceful protesters.
People who came out to peacefully protest yesterday, particularly in Abuja, were faced with arbitrary arrests and needless, unjust use of tear gas. In several places, heavily armed security officers blocked demonstration venues. In Kano and Plateau, protest leaders were also taken into detention.
The incidents of October 1st indicate that the Nigerian government is not backing down from its war on opposing views. With complete contempt for their human rights, five protest organizers who were detained in Kano are currently being kept at an undisclosed location in Abuja without access to lawyers or family.
Read related news: #EndBadGovernance: Organisers Want Virtual Meeting With Police Over Oct.1 Planned Protest
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Nigeria is currently facing a crippling economic crisis. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 is driving many people into poverty, while officials have been accused of corruption with inflation on food hitting 36%. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 is driving many people into poverty, while officials have been accused of corruption.
From 1-10 August nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests were met with a deadly crackdown; including killings and mass arrests. The Nigerian authorities have, at times, labeled the protests as deliberate attempts
