The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent call for dialogue with #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling for a suspension of further demonstrations.
The protest that has now entered its fourth day, had reportedly resulted in killing of some protesters by security operatives, amidst knocks against the federal government handling of the protests and call on President Tinubu to address the nation.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC acknowledged the President’s recognition of the grievances fueling the protests and his commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerian citizens.
The statement read in part: “CISLAC stands firmly with the demands for justice, reform within the administrative justice system, and improved governance,” Rafsanjani stated.
“This will ensure a just and prosperous nation where peace, freedom, and meaningful livelihoods are enjoyed under a transparent and accountable government.”
Rafsanjani, who also chairs Amnesty International Nigeria and heads Transparency International Nigeria, emphasized that President Tinubu and his appointees should cease linking the protests to political agendas, as such attempts divert attention from the deep poverty affecting millions of Nigerians. Instead, the government should focus on inclusively improving the economy.
He also said that President Tinubu and his appointees must stop their concerted efforts to link the protests and grievances of Nigerians to political agendas as such attempts clearly divert attention from the pressing reality of deep poverty affecting millions of Nigerians.
He said, “Instead, the government should focus on inclusively improving the economy.”
He also urged Nigeria’s security operatives to heed the President’s call for respect for human rights, ensuring that peace, law, and order are maintained in accordance with these principles.
CISLAC emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, law, and order while upholding human rights in line with international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory. The group said the safety and security of all Nigerians were paramount.
The statement stressed that the president must also give a clear directive to the security agencies not to engage in human rights violations, just as it urged all stakeholders to accept the call for dialogue.
“Open and constructive conversations are essential to addressing the underlying causes of unrest and finding sustainable solutions. CISLAC remains committed to supporting these efforts and contributing to the realization of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria,” it concluded.
