The Labour and Civil Society Front (LCSFront), a coalition of civil society groups, labour unions, human rights organizations, and youth movements, has issued a strong statement condemning the rising repression of civil and democratic voices across Nigeria.
The LCSFront expressed its deep concern over the Nigeria Police’s increasing actions against peaceful protesters, labeling them as dissidents and treasonous, in the wake of mass demonstrations like the #EndBadGovernance movement. The group called this police response an affront to democracy, stressing that the suppression of peaceful dissent undermines Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and violates the rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.
The coalition called on the government and the Nigeria Police to uphold citizens’ fundamental rights, particularly the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, noting that such rights are pillars of any true democracy.
**Key Demands from the LCSFront**
The LCSFront issued a series of demands, urging the government and police to take immediate action within seven days:
1. **Address #EndBadGovernance Protest Cases**: All cases arising from the #EndBadGovernance protests must be reviewed to ensure that no one is unfairly criminalized for exercising their constitutional rights.
2. **Resolve Allegations Against NLC**: The government should establish a framework to address allegations involving the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President and employees of Ivy Bookshop, located within the NLC complex.
3. **Restore Trust in Law Enforcement**: The LCSFront called for transparency in handling the cases from the protests, aiming to rebuild trust between law enforcement, the government, and citizens. This, they argue, is critical for maintaining social harmony amidst Nigeria’s worsening economic conditions.
4. **Youth Engagement and Communication**: The group urged the government to create better channels for dialogue with the youth and other civil society leaders to prevent further mass protests, particularly one slated for October.
5. **Address Economic Hardship**: The LCSFront demanded that the government review harmful economic policies, particularly the recent hike in fuel prices, which they described as exacerbating the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. They insisted that fuel prices be reduced to pre-January 2023 levels of ₦167 to ease the economic burden on citizens.
6. **Release Detained Protesters**: As a gesture of goodwill and leadership, the LCSFront called for the immediate release of protesters currently detained on charges such as conspiracy to commit treason, inciting mutiny, and damaging property.
The coalition emphasized that the current government’s handling of dissent, particularly under President Bola Tinubu—a former pro-democracy activist—resembles authoritarianism reminiscent of Nigeria’s military past. They highlighted the urgent need for the government to honor the values of democracy and avoid further erosion of public trust.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Chief Spokesperson of LCSFront, on behalf of the conveners.
