The Alarming Escalation of Force Against Protesters and Press in Abuja
The recent events at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja mark a deeply troubling escalation in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests sweeping across Nigeria. The reported use of live ammunition by security operatives against peaceful protesters and press in Abuja is not just a violation of basic human rights but a direct assault on the pillars of democracy that Nigeria claims to uphold.
This incident raises several critical concerns
Abuse of Power: The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest is an egregious abuse of power. It demonstrates a dangerous disregard for human life and civil liberties by those entrusted to protect citizens.
Attack on Press Freedom: The targeting of journalists, evidenced by the bullet-riddled car of a Premium Times reporter, is a clear attempt to suppress media coverage of the protests. This action not only endangers lives but also threatens the fundamental right to freedom of the press, crucial for a functioning democracy.
Escalation of Tensions: Such heavy-handed tactics by security forces are likely to inflame rather than quell unrest. It risks radicalizing peaceful protesters and turning public opinion further against the government, potentially leading to a more volatile situation.
International Reputation: These actions will undoubtedly draw international condemnation, potentially damaging Nigeria’s standing on the global stage and its relationships with democratic allies.
Betrayal of Democratic Principles: The irony of such violence occurring at a stadium named after MKO Abiola, a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, is not lost. It represents a betrayal of the principles for which many Nigerians have fought and died.
Lack of Conflict Resolution Skills: This incident highlights a critical lack of proper training in crowd control and conflict de-escalation among Nigeria’s security forces. It demonstrates a default to violence rather than dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Government Accountability: The actions of these security operatives raise serious questions about who gave the orders and what the chain of command is. It calls for immediate investigation and accountability at the highest levels of government.
Erosion of Trust: Such actions further erode the already fragile trust between the Nigerian people and their government, making future dialogue and resolution of grievances even more challenging.
Human Rights Violations: The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is a clear violation of international human rights laws and standards, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Long-term Consequences: The psychological impact on those present, including protesters, journalists, and even the security operatives themselves, can have long-lasting effects on society, potentially breeding more resentment and distrust.
This incident at the MKO Abiola Stadium is not just about dispersing a crowd; it’s about the state of Nigeria’s democracy. It reveals a troubling willingness by those in power to suppress dissent through violent means, rather than addressing the underlying issues that have driven citizens to protest.
The Nigerian government must immediately
Call for a cease to all violent actions against protesters and journalists.
Launch a transparent, independent investigation into this incident.
Hold accountable those responsible for ordering and carrying out these attacks on Protesters and Press in Abuja
Reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of the press.
Engage in meaningful dialogue with protest leaders to address the grievances that have led to these demonstrations.
As Nigeria grapples with significant economic and social challenges, the response of its leadership to civil unrest will be crucial in determining the nation’s path forward. The use of violence against its own citizens is not just morally reprehensible; it’s a strategic blunder that risks plunging the country into a deeper crisis.
The world is watching, and more importantly, Nigerians are watching. The actions taken in the coming days will define whether Nigeria moves towards becoming a true democracy that respects the rights of its citizens or slides further into authoritarian repression.
This moment calls for leadership that listens, engages, and seeks to understand and address the root causes of discontent, not one that shoots first and asks questions later. The future of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance, and the response to this incident will be a crucial indicator of which direction the country is headed.
Reference
BREAKING: Security operatives shoot at protesters, journalists in Abuja published in Punch