Amnesty International issued a warning to the Federal Government on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, not to intimidate Nigerians who are preparing to stage protests against the current state of hardship and starvation in their nation.

While noting that Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest, the organization issued a warning that it is illegal to threaten planned peaceful protesters in a post on X in response to remarks made by Olusegun Dada, a Presidential adviser.

Dada had forewarned that the fiercest opposition would be faced by those who intended to destroy the nation under the pretense of protest. “Under whatever cover, those who wish to destroy the nation will encounter the toughest opposition of their lives. Not from security agencies, but rather from the silent majority that initially authorized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve for four years. We’re waiting,” he wrote on X.

In response, Amnesty International wrote on X, saying that it is illegal to threaten unarmed protesters, as such the freedom of assembly, which is protected by both international law and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, is obviously being attacked.

“Nigerians must not be denied the internationally and constitutionally guaranteed right to peaceful protest, by using deceptive threats of violence and unfounded accusations.”

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