Group urges Nigerians to Join Protest Against Rights Abuse

By Chinedu Echianu

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) has urged Nigerian especially young people to join a nationwide protest on December 10,  to mark World Human Rights Day

In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Francis Nwapa, the group says the protest, declared by the #EndBadGovernance Movement, aims to demand respect for democratic freedoms and an end to widespread violations affecting citizens.

The organisation while accusing government of worsening rights abuses and shrinking civic spaces, expressed concern over Nigeria’s consistently low performance on global human rights and development rankings.

Referencing the UNDP Human Development Index, and the ITUC global workers’ rights report, YRC, maintained that these indicators show deepening repression, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act,  to silence critics.

The group also renewed its demand for the immediate dismissal of treason and terrorism charges against Adaramoye Michael and 10 others, who were arrested during protests against hunger in 2024.

“The activists spent 59 days in detention and the YRC alleges the state has made little progress on the case filed in September 2024, using prolonged delays, frozen bank accounts and property seizures to keep them “under pressure.”

With the next court date also set for December 10,  the group called on local and international organisations marking World Human Rights Day to demand an end to sham trial.

The group however, highlighted additional incidents, including: Prosecution of labour activists

– Trials of five ASUU leaders at Lagos State University

– Charges against three University of Ibadan students who protested high tuition fee

It also condemned the illegal demolitions of low-income communities under the guise of urban renewal, insisting that housing is a basic human right.

The campaign group urged labour unions to intensify the fight against casualisation, defend workers’ rights to decent work and protect the freedom to join unions without harassment.