Rights Group Faults FG’s Treason Charge Against #EndBadGover- nance Protesters

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has faulted the federal government’s ongoing trial of protesters participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

According to a release by the director of administration and programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of CACOL Chairman Debo Adeniran, the group condemned the legal action taken against the protesters, stressing that their grievances stem from legitimate concerns about governance and economic hardship in the country.

He remarked that the protests, which took place nationwide from August 1st to 10th, 2024, were a response to widespread dissatisfaction with government policies and economic conditions.

Adeniran stated, “The protest turned violent in some parts of the country, with looting and vandalism being recorded in some parts. Subsequently, the police announced the arrest of perpetrators in some states.

Yesterday, the office of the Inspector General (IG) of Police arraigned 10 protesters, who participated in the recent #endbadgovernance and hunger protest, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.”

The group pointed out that the charge against them in the law court alleges that the protesters, along with other unnamed individuals, conspired to destabilize Nigeria by inciting mutiny and waging war against the state.

“These serious charges, which carry severe penalties under the Penal Code, have been met with condemnation by CACOL and other civil society groups.”

CSO argued that the government’s failure to address the root causes of the protests, namely, economic hardship and poor governance, was a significant factor in the unrest.

“If government policies did not cause widespread hunger and frustration, there would have been no reason for anyone to protest,” he said.