AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU,
PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Dear President,
We, as concerned citizens of Nigeria, write to express our outrage and deep concern about the unjust detention and the unfair trial of prisoners of conscience, journalists, and protesters who have been peacefully advocating for an end to bad governance and seeking a better Nigeria for all citizens.
Their detention is a blatant violation of their fundamental human rights and a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices. It is unacceptable that your administration continues to trample on the rights of citizens who are demanding a more just and equitable society.
We demand that you take immediate action to release these detainees and drop all charges against them. We also call on your administration to address the systemic issues that led to their protests, including corruption, inequality, and social injustice.
The continued detention of these individuals is a stain on Nigeria’s democracy and a betrayal of the trust placed in Government as source of sincere representation. We expect a more robust response to these grievances and a commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens.
The right to protest is a fundamental human right recognized under various international and regional instruments, including:
– United Nations Charter (Article 20): recognizes the right to peaceful assembly and association
– International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 21): protects the right to peaceful assembly
– African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 11): recognizes the right to freedom of assembly and association
– Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 40): guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association
These instruments acknowledge the importance of protest as a means of expressing grievances, promoting accountability, and advocating for change. From all indications, your administration has failed to respect these principles and authorities in the engagement with peaceful protesters.
Don’t forget that you were once in their shoes as a young protester who wanted a better country or was it all a pretense to power, like fake it till you make it.
Sincerely,
Chief Peter Ameh
Chairman
