Arewa Young Lawyers Vanguard Urges Nigerian Police to Uphold Citizens' Rights During Peaceful Protest

In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Arewa Young Lawyers Vanguard has called for adherence to professionalism and global practices in safeguarding the right of citizens to peaceful protest, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

The group, composed of young lawyers from Northern Nigeria, emphasized the importance of democratic ideals and the dividends of democracy. They expressed their concerns regarding the upcoming nationwide peaceful protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, urging the Nigerian Police to respect international human rights law.

Highlighting the global recognition of the right to peaceful protest, the letter referenced key international legal provisions, including Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Additionally, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria affirms the right of Nigerians to assemble and express their views on government policies and actions.

The group reminded the Nigerian Police of the country's constitutional democracy, where the rule of law is paramount. They stressed the responsibility of the police to operate within the legal framework during the protest, ensuring that citizens' rights are protected.

The letter also cited a significant ruling by the ECOWAS Court in the EndSARS case, where the Nigerian government was mandated to investigate and prosecute security agents responsible for human rights violations, and to compensate victims.

In conclusion, the Arewa Young Lawyers Vanguard called on the Nigerian Police to seize this opportunity to enhance its image by creating a friendly environment where citizens' rights and freedoms are upheld. They expressed hope for the police's compliance with the law during the forthcoming protest.