Freedom of peaceful assembly is fundamental human right — Group

A Non-Governmental Organization in Benue State, “Lawyers Alert,” has emphasised that peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right for everyone in the country. However, the group strongly condemns the hostile attitude displayed by governments and security agencies towards peaceful assemblies.

The NGO conveyed this message during a one-day program held with media practitioners in Makurdi, the state capital. All the speakers at the event highlighted that both local and international instruments protect freedom of association.

Barrister Victor Eboh, a Senior Legal Advisor for Lawyers Alert, stressed in his opening remarks that freedom of association is an undeniable fundamental human right. He underlined that the purpose of the meeting was to sensitize and educate the government, security agencies, and the general public about the right to peaceful assembly.

During his address, Mr Lazarus Mom, the Program Director of Lawyers Alert, clarified that the aim of the meeting was to develop campaign messages that would educate Nigerians about their rights to freedom of assembly. He asserted that people have the right to peaceful assembly, rallies, and protests and lamented that authorities have often curtailed these rights.

Mom added that Lawyers Alert is currently implementing a project titled “Increasing Civic Rights and Freedom of Peaceful Assembly,” funded by CIVICUS, an American-based Civil Society Organization (CSO).

The Program Director committed to continuing engagement with the government and security agencies to ensure peaceful assemblies free from embarrassment and harassment. He assured the government that when the public gathers, their intentions are usually not violent or harmful, and he urged them to respect and protect the people’s right to assemble.

He cited an example where medical students from Benue State University (BSU), ranging from 200 to 600 level, were suspended for one month by the school authorities after participating in a peaceful protest at the Government House in Makurdi, describing it as a form of intimidation.

Mom also advised _organisers to follow due process before engaging in any peaceful protests to prevent the hijacking of their genuine intentions by unruly individuals.