The CLEEN Foundation, a prominent civil society organization in Nigeria, has issued a strong call to the Federal Government to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest and engage meaningfully with their demands for improved governance. This call stems from a comprehensive review of the #EndBadGovernance and hunger protests that swept across the nation in 2024, a period marked by widespread public discontent over economic hardship and perceived government inadequacies. The foundation’s analysis highlights the significance of these protests as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political landscape, ushering in a new era of civic engagement where the voices of citizens demand greater recognition and respect. Central to CLEEN’s argument is the assertion that peaceful protest is not merely permissible, but a fundamental right enshrined within the Constitution, specifically Sections 35-40. They emphasize the crucial role of law enforcement in protecting this right while simultaneously maintaining public order and officer safety, advocating for a balanced approach that respects both individual liberties and the need for social stability.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, according to the CLEEN Foundation, served as a powerful expression of the Nigerian populace’s growing frustration with the prevailing socio-political climate. The protests reflected deep-seated concerns about economic hardship, including escalating food prices and widespread unemployment, alongside broader issues of governance, such as perceived corruption and lack of accountability. This widespread mobilization demonstrated a renewed sense of civic engagement, with citizens across the country taking to the streets to demand change. The foundation contends that this wave of protests marks a significant shift in the political dynamics of Nigeria, signaling a heightened awareness among citizens of their rights and a growing determination to hold their government accountable. The protests, therefore, represent not just an isolated incident, but a potential turning point towards a more participatory and responsive democratic process.
The CLEEN Foundation’s report underscores the importance of fostering constructive dialogue between the government and its citizens, emphasizing the need for open communication channels and a willingness to address public grievances. They argue that suppressing dissent, particularly through the use of force or restrictive legislation, is not only counterproductive but also infringes upon fundamental human rights. Instead, they advocate for a more proactive and empathetic approach, urging the government to actively engage with protest leaders and seek to understand the underlying causes of public discontent. This, they believe, is crucial to fostering a more stable and inclusive political environment. The emphasis on dialogue and engagement, according to the foundation, is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and a commitment to democratic principles.
A key area of concern highlighted by the CLEEN Foundation is the potential for the Public Order Act to be misused as a tool for suppressing legitimate dissent and stifling freedom of expression. They argue that the Act’s vague and broadly defined provisions grant excessive power to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to restrict protests based on discretionary judgments rather than objective criteria. This, they warn, can lead to the arbitrary suppression of peaceful demonstrations and the silencing of critical voices. The foundation therefore calls for a critical review of the Public Order Act, advocating for amendments that would clarify its provisions, narrow its scope, and establish clear safeguards against abuse. Such reforms, they argue, are essential to ensuring that the Act serves its intended purpose of maintaining public order without unduly infringing upon fundamental rights.
The CLEEN Foundation strongly advocates for a paradigm shift in the way law enforcement agencies handle public protests, moving away from a confrontational approach towards one based on communication and de-escalation. They argue that training law enforcement officers in conflict resolution, mediation, and communication skills would equip them to manage protests more effectively and peacefully. This, they believe, would minimize the risk of violence and promote a more constructive relationship between law enforcement and the public. Furthermore, the foundation emphasizes the importance of establishing clear protocols for engagement with protest organizers, ensuring that communication channels are open and that grievances are addressed in a timely and transparent manner. This proactive approach, according to the foundation, would help to build trust and reduce the likelihood of protests escalating into violent confrontations.
In conclusion, the CLEEN Foundation’s review of the #EndBadGovernance protests paints a compelling picture of a nation grappling with deep-seated socio-political challenges. The report emphasizes the importance of upholding the constitutional right to protest and calls for a more responsive and accountable government that actively engages with the concerns of its citizens. The foundation’s recommendations, which include a review of the Public Order Act and improved training for law enforcement, offer a roadmap towards a more democratic and inclusive society where the voices of the people are not only heard but also respected. Their call for dialogue and mutual understanding serves as a timely reminder that addressing the root causes of public discontent is crucial to fostering lasting peace and stability.
