Opposition parties have criticized the police and Department of State Services (DSS) for setting guidelines and threatening arrests ahead of the planned August 1 nationwide protest against economic hardship, saying such moves violate Nigerians’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had issued guidelines for protest organizers, including submitting details of their plans to state Commissioners of Police. The DSS also alleged a plot by criminal elements to hijack the protest, sparking concerns about potential crackdowns on protesters.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) described the police’s move as a violation of citizens’ rights, saying, “Nigerians have a right to exercise their constitutional right to protest. They should not be harassed in any way.” The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also condemned the government’s approach, stating, “The attempt by the government to suppress the voices of dissent is not something we are surprised about.”
The Labour Party (LP) warned the government against clamping down on protesters, saying, “A hungry man is an angry man. These people can’t feed, transport freely, can’t even afford to send children to school and receive pittance as wages. Yet, you want them not to talk?”
Organizers of the protest, including Deji Adeyanju, accused security agencies of harassing them and freezing their accounts. Adeyanju said, “The IG is trying to rewrite the constitution with his directives. The constitution doesn’t give conditions for protests.”
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states also expressed concern over the planned protest, urging the government to address economic hardship and insecurity. “Nigerians have been suffering and smiling for too long, and the government showed no concern,” CAN said.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the government’s response, saying it was working to address citizens’ concerns. “
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