On 1 October, the #FearlessOctober protests against economic hardship were met with excessive force by Nigerian authorities, including arrests and the use of tear gas. Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the crackdown on dissent and called for the immediate release of all arrested individuals. He highlighted the urgent need for the government to address the grievances of its citizens amid a crippling economic crisis.
In light of the repression and arrests that occurred on 1 October during the FearlessOctober protests against the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and poor governance, Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian authorities to cease their harsh tactics against peaceful demonstrations. Sanusi condemned the excessive use of tear gas and arbitrary detentions, particularly in Abuja, where security forces blocked protest areas in numerous cities.
Sanusi further reported that five protest organizers, currently detained in an unidentified location in Abuja, are denied access to legal counsel and their family members. He noted that this situation exemplifies the government’s persistent crackdown on dissent, undermining basic human rights in the process.
The director insisted that the government should halt deploying security personnel to obstruct peaceful protests and instead engage with the citizens concerning their legitimate concerns. Many Nigerians are struggling to afford food, healthcare, and education as they face extreme poverty exacerbated by corruption and inefficiency in governance.
As part of his demands, Sanusi called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals arrested prior to and during the protests, including those detained since the nationwide protests in August. He also urged that the unfounded treason charges against participants in those protests be dropped.
Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by food inflation soaring to 36% following the removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023. The failure of government officials to address the resulting hardships, fueled by accusations of corruption, has led to widespread societal unrest.
Previous protests, such as those from 1-10 August, faced a violent crackdown from authorities, resulting in casualties and mass arrests. The government has often branded these demonstrations as attempts to incite violence, despite the protests being rooted in legitimate grievances regarding governance and economic stability.
Nigeria is currently embroiled in a significant economic crisis, characterized by an inflation rate of 36% on food items. The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 has exacerbated poverty levels, leading to accusations of corruption against government officials. Furthermore, citizens are expressing their discontent through peaceful protests, especially against escalating costs of living and perceived governmental incompetence in addressing urgent socioeconomic issues.
In conclusion, the repression of peaceful protests in Nigeria signals a troubling disregard for human rights amidst a deepening economic crisis. The urgent need for governmental accountability and responsiveness to public concerns is paramount, as citizens continue to face debilitating hardship. Amnesty International Nigeria’s calls for the release of unjustly detained protestors reflect the broader demand for justice, transparency, and reform in the nation.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
