Senior lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has lauded Nigerians for their bravery in participating in the nationwide protest, despite facing threats and intimidation from authorities.
Adegboruwa commended the large turnout across the country in response to the call for protests against bad governance and the suffering inflicted by President Tinubu’s administration.
In his statement, Adegboruwa highlighted the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, despite some minor skirmishes reportedly caused by security agencies.
He praised the organizers for their effective and non-violent management of the events and acknowledged the media for their accurate reporting.
Adegboruwa stated, “The people came out in their large numbers to speak against the suffering, hunger and poverty imposed on them by the administration of President Tinubu,” Adegboruwa noted in a statement
“I salute the courage and resilience of all Nigerians. Even those who could not make it to the streets stayed at home in form of civil disobedience. Most offices were shut, markets closed and the streets deserted, in solidarity with the protesters.”
“Notwithstanding that, the protests were largely successful, well coordinated and on target.
“I commend the organizers of the protests, for their maturity and peaceful management of the events. I also commend the press for being alert to their responsibilities to cover the events and to give accurate reporting to the people. This should continue.”
“The responsibility imposed upon all security agencies is to provide coverage for the peaceful protesters and to avoid all provocative actions that may escalate into uncomfortable fracas.
Adegboruwa further appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and all Governors who have procured various court orders to frustrate the peaceful demonstrations to provide transportation by way of mass transit buses to assist citizens to exercise their fundamental rights.
Speaking further, he articulated, “In addition, government should urgently identify and hold accountable any police or law enforcement officer that may have been found culpable to violate the rights of the peaceful protesters, especially in locations where it has been reported that protesters were wounded and shot dead.
“I urge the organizers of the nationwide protests to continue in the same peaceful manner that we have all witnessed today and to refrain from all actions that may lead to violence or a breakdown of law and order.
“By now, I expect that the federal and state governments would have set up the machineries for genuine and meaningful dialogue with the protesters, with a view to addressing the issues raised in their demands.
“It will be the height of leadership insensitivity for the governing to remain silent and pretend that all is well,” he added.
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