#RevolutionNow: SERAP Calls For Immediate Release Of Protesters

The violent attack on #RevolutionNow protesters in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria has been condemned by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

The group called on President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to end the use of excessive force against protesters and allow Nigerians to exercise their human rights.

Naija News had earlier reported that the Department of State Service arrested Olawale Bakare and some co-protesters around Olaiya area of Osogbo, Osun State.

Several others were arrested by the police and the Nigerian Army in Abuja.

The deputy director of SERAP, Kolawole Oluwadare, noted that the authorities violated their obligations under the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Oluwadare further stated that nobody should be arrested or subjected to ill-treatment simply for taking part in peaceful protests.

“Rather than suppressing peaceful protests, the authorities ought to protect peaceful protesters and ensure a safe and enabling environment for people to exercise their constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

SERAP called on the president Buhari government and security agencies to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested.

The rights group demanded an investigation of attacks on protesters and the identification of culpable agents.

“Nigerian authorities need to take seriously the protesters’ socio-economic grievances, including by immediately taking measures to genuinely fight grand corruption, and improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services”, it added.