HURIWA Urges Presidency to Stop Criminalizing Peaceful Protests

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a pro-democracy group, has urged the Presidency to stop attempts by some officials to criminalize peaceful protests and other civic actions.

According to the group, protests are essential for advocating accountability, transparency, and good governance.

In a statement on Sunday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, condemned accusations made against the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

HURIWA stated, “Bayo Onanuga’s comments amount to reckless, careless, and lawless rumor-mongering that unduly overheats the public space.”

The group called on President Tinubu to caution Onanuga, urging him to stop behaving like a fascist. “In fascism or totalitarianism, peaceful assembly for good governance is criminalized.”

HURIWA emphasized that democracy thrives on hearing all sides, and any democracy that doesn’t allow peaceful protest is fundamentally flawed. The group said peaceful demonstrations are legitimate means for citizens to communicate with the government on framing and implementing economic and sociopolitical policies that promote good governance.

The group criticized Onanuga, highlighting the irony of someone representing a democratically elected government, led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a known civil society leader who has organized and participated in pro-democracy protests—now opposing civil protests.

HURIWA also pointed out that Onanuga, a trained journalist, is using incendiary and derogatory language against peaceful protests, calling it “a crying shame.”

HURIWA warned that if the government continues to suppress peaceful protests, it risks provoking unpredictable and unpleasant outcomes. “The government should address the issues while there is still time.”