Group drums support for Amnesty International, says protesters were hired

A pro-democracy group has drummed support for Amnesty International, saying those protesting against the human right body were hired.

Convener of the Concerned Nigerians group, Deji Adeyanju, in a statement made available to Tribune Online stated that the group “condemns in strong terms the shameful protest by some group of persons at the premises of the Amnesty International office earlier today.”

He added that “Amnesty International has been consistent in fighting for the right of persons in Nigeria. It’s therefore, baffling that some Nigerians whose rights have been violated on the daily basis would allow themselves to be used by the government.

“The government has gone after Human Rights defenders, civil society groups, opposition voices and critics, therefore, we are no surprised by these latest despotic tactics.

“We call on Nigerians to rise against this despotic government that sees every opposing voices as enemy.

“Furthermore, this is the second time in a row that Amnesty International will come under attack for standing for what is right. Those sponsoring these people must desist from sponsoring and hiring crowd to attack Amnesty International office.”

Adeyanju also noted that “It’s surprising and shocking that the same government that clamps down on protestors and dissenting voices would freely allow people to exercise the right they have denied others at the Amnesty International office.

“Amnesty international is devoid of any political ideology, economic interest or religion. As such, the Nigerian government must stop seeing them as an enemy.

“Moreover, the activities of the Amnesty International in Nigeria is not illegal as they stand to protect and uphold the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which Nigeria is signatory to.

“Finally, we enjoin Amnesty International to remain resolute and not be discouraged even in the seemingly ceaseless aggression against them by the government,” he said.