Ahead of the planned nationwide protest slated to begin August 1, 2024, Peace Ambassador Onyebolise Ozuem Esiri of the Soccer for Peace Foundation has called on all participants to maintain a peaceful stance, emphasizing dialogue as the preferred method for addressing grievances.
In a statement, Esiri highlight the necessity for peaceful demonstration, calling on the Nigerian government, military, and police to ensure the safety of protesters. He references the tragic outcomes of the #EndSARS movement, where excessive force was used against demonstrators, resulting in numerous casualties.
Esiri stressed the fundamental human right to protest, advocating for protection and respect for peaceful assembly.
“I am Speaking out loudly, calling out the Nigerian government, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian police and other Nigerian security agencies that this peaceful protests should not be like the ENDSARS MOVEMENT.”
Esiri underscored the importance of resolving issues through dialogue rather than intimidation or violence.
His statement read in part “I am calling on the International community, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, International Human Rights Commission, the Human Rights Council, members of international diplomatic corp and the Amnesty International to join in the call for the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Police and others to protect the right of peaceful protesters and to avoid any form of intimidation, abuse, or violation of the human rights of citizens.
“The Nigerian People are not slaves, they are all citizens of Nigeria and have the rights to speak out and ask for accountability and good governance from elected leaders and public office holders and it is the duty of the Nigerian Government to resolve these issues through dialogue and not with force or intimidation.”
Esiri said, his organization remains steadfast in commitment to advocating for peace and human rights, urging Nigerian leaders to address the concerns of their citizens constructively,
He added that as August 1 approaches, the global community watches, hoping for a peaceful and effective demonstration.
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