CurrentReport Blog Nigerian activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has accused the Nigerian government of criminalizing protests while neglecting to prosecute former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. Adeyanju’s remarks come amid ongoing controversies over the treatment of protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement.
On Wednesday, Adeyanju faulted the government for prioritizing the imprisonment of protesters rather than addressing critical issues such as insecurity and corruption. He criticized the government’s failure to prosecute Bello, despite numerous allegations against him, while swiftly acting to jail peaceful demonstrators.
The activist’s comments follow the recent ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Ten protesters, charged with attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were granted bail set at N10 million each. The protesters were part of a movement advocating for better governance between July 1 and August 4, 2024. Among the bail conditions is the requirement for each protester to present one surety who must reside in Abuja.
Speaking on the matter during an interview with AIT, Adeyanju said, “Protest can never be a crime. Anyone that tries to criminalize protest is a tyrant. The government is wasting time on frivolities instead of focusing on real issues facing the country.”
Adeyanju argued that instead of addressing issues like hyperinflation, poor welfare, and insecurity, the government is focusing on punishing those advocating for change. He expressed frustration over the selective application of the law, stating that individuals like Bello, who he believes have engaged in corrupt practices, remain unprosecuted while ordinary Nigerians fighting for a better country are being jailed.
“Why should we be wasting our time with frivolities when we can just cut to the chase and get our country working again? This protest is about promoting democratic ideals,” he added.
Adeyanju emphasized that peaceful protests are a fundamental right and should not be criminalized, stating, “Protest will always be legal, and citizens are encouraged to protest every day if they wish to.”
