A rights advocacy group-Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) has counselled those behind the #EndBadGovernance protest, security agencies and the Federal Government to thread with caution ahead of the set date.
In a statement jointly signed by JAGG Vice President Comrade Abdulwaheed Odunuga and the Secretary Comrade Adekunle Aderibigbe, the group stated its support for the expression of the inalienable rights of every citizen of Nigeria through protest as guaranteed in the constitution.
“We stand firmly in support of the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest, as enshrined in our constitution.
“The voices of the people must be heard, and their genuine concerns addressed. However, we urge all protesters to remain cordial and peaceful in their demonstrations.
“The power of a peaceful protest cannot be overstated, and it is through peaceful means that we can achieve lasting and meaningful change.
The group urged government to be empathic in the approach of addressing the legitimate demands of the protesters scheduled to hold between August 1-10,2024.
“We call on the government to show compassion and urgency in addressing the legitimate demands of the protesters. These demands, which reflect the collective yearnings for good governance, accountability, and transparency, must not be ignored.
“The government should see this protest as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the leaders and the citizens, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance system. Furthermore, we advise the security agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism in handling the protesters.
“The safety and rights of every citizen must be protected at all times. Any form of violence or excessive use of force would be counterproductive and detrimental to the democratic values we all cherish.
“In conclusion, the Joint Action for Good Governance is committed to advocating for a better Nigeria. We believe in the power of dialogue, peaceful protests, and constructive engagement as tools for driving positive change.
“We urge everyone to stay safe, remain peaceful, and continue to strive for a better Nigeria.”
