Amnesty International has called on authorities to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression as Nigeria braces for nationwide protests slated for Monday, 7 April 2025 as Nigeria braces for nationwide protests slated for Monday, 7 April 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, asked security agencies to respect demonstrators’ constitutional and international rights and warned against any kind of repression or intimidation.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the country’s own constitution and international human rights treaties,” Sanusi stated.
“Government officials must also refrain from issuing rhetoric aimed at demonising protesters and stifling peaceful dissent.”
The rallies are being organised in reaction to what civil society organisations perceive as an intensifying crackdown on free expression, including the alleged exploitation of the Cybercrimes Act to muzzle opposition.
In a statement signed by Michael Christian, Social Media and Communications Officer of Amnesty International Nigeria, the organisation warned against the government’s attempts to use the protests as an excuse to crush human freedoms.
“Authorities must not use the proposed nationwide protests as a ploy to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” Christian said. “Any act capable of undermining freedom of assembly is illegal and portrays unacceptable intolerance of peaceful dissent.”
Amnesty International emphasised that the planned protests offer a crucial opportunity for the Nigerian government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
“Authorities must show a commitment to upholding the country’s constitutional and international human rights obligations by allowing people to freely exercise their rights,” the organisation reiterated.
Organisers of the protests say they will proceed peacefully, demanding reforms, accountability, and respect for civil liberties in Nigeria.
