NANS Urges President Tinubu to Halt Prosecution of Over 100 Detained Protesters, Cites Threat to Democracy
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has asked President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate end to the illegal prosecution of over 100 Nigerians being detained in prisons over the August 1-10 nationwide protest against hunger, hardship and bad governance tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The association, in a statement issued by its President of the Senate, Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, reminded President Tinubu that in a democratic society, the right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental pillar that cannot be compromised.
According to NANS, the prosecution of the protesters by the Nigerian government threatens the fabric of Nigeria’s democracy, undermines the citizens’ right to express their grievances and their right to demand accountability from their leaders.
The students union stressed that prosecution of the protesters sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage civic engagement and stifle the essence of Nigeria’s democracy.
Babatunde stated, “In a democratic society, the right to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental pillar that cannot be compromised.
“It has come to our attention that several protesters are currently being prosecuted and have been charged to court.
“This action threatens the very fabric of our democracy, undermining the citizens’ right to express their grievances and demand accountability from their leaders.
“We, therefore, make an earnest appeal to His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene in this matter with the urgency it requires.
“As the leader of our nation, you have consistently championed the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“We urge you to demonstrate your commitment to these values by ensuring that the prosecution of these protesters is halted immediately.
“These individuals took to the streets not out of malice or disobedience but out of a deep-seated desire for change and improvement in our beloved nation. Their voices, far from being silenced, should be heard and respected.
“We believe in the capacity of this administration to engage in meaningful dialogue with its citizens, fostering an environment where differences can be aired and resolved peacefully.
“The prosecution of these protesters sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage civic engagement and stifle the very essence of our democracy.
“We, therefore, call on His Excellency to act swiftly in stopping this prosecution and ensuring that all charges are dropped.
“Let us work together to build a nation where freedom of expression is not just a theoretical right but a lived reality for every Nigerian.”
SaharaReporters had reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday ordered 10 out of the detained 124 youths linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests in Abuja to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre till September 11 for trial and ruling on their bail applications.
Justice Emeka Nwite who is the presiding judge also ordered the 5th defendant, who is the only woman among the defendants to be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre.
