In this interview, human rights advocate and one of the attorneys defending imprisoned #EndBadGovernance demonstrators, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, explains why the October 1 protests must continue. He objects to what he sees as the Tinubu administration’s criminalisation of protest, arguing that Nigerians must not be discouraged by state-sponsored intimidation.

October 1st will see another round of rallies against hardship.That being said, a number of the individuals who participated in the recent protests remain in detention throughout the nation. What are your thoughts about it?

Nigerians are allowed to protest under the constitution. And the government shouldn’t be granted that right. Living in a nation that claims to be a democracy while restricting the right to free speech and the ability to assemble peacefully is intolerable. The Tinubu administration is no longer unhappy. What matters is that Nigerians have the freedom to demonstrate and that their country is in a terrible state. Nigerians actually have the freedom to demonstrate every day. People have the constitutional right to protest for as long as they want until the problems facing the nation are resolved.The length of a demonstration or even its purpose is unconstrained by the constitution, provided that it is legal and acceptable. I do encourage Nigerians who wish to demonstrate to that level. Additionally, it is morally reprehensible and unethical for security personnel to detain protesting individuals. We will not stop defending anyone whose rights are infringed upon as a result of nonviolent protest.We are unwavering in our determination. We are committed to defending citizens’ rights to protest in the same way as the government is motivated to obstruct those rights. We will not bargain with the government for that privilege. The arrests are unjustified. It serves as a warning that individuals in positions of power lack democratic credentials when they attempt to dehumanise treason and make a farce of our legal system. It is imperative that members of civil society remain resolute in our pursuit of upholding the values of equity. We will not stop offering assistance to anyone who has been unjustly detained for participating in a nonviolent demonstration.

Fear permeates the nation as a result of people’s apprehension about attending October 1 protests.
Nobody should, in my opinion, be terrified. They are only trying to divert attention with all of these claims. Nigerians are only being diverted from the true problems by the government. It is not fearful to exercise one’s constitutional rights. This is our nation; neither Tinubu nor the All Progressives Congress, or APC, own it. In Nigeria, everyone is entitled to the same rights.Individuals must overcome their worries in order to demand their rights. The people’s safety and well-being are ultimately the main goals of government. I’m urging Nigerians to face their anxieties. It is necessary to foil the attempt to frighten people. Because of the Tinubu regime’s abuse of the criminal justice system, no one should be afraid.

You represented one of the people arrested for starting the initial #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, and you appeared in court today, Friday. In spite of widespread protest, why do you believe the administration is going ahead with the trial?

Several legal actions are being taken in order to seek the release of the detained individuals. Even if some of them have been given bond, we are contesting their incarceration. Additionally, we will speak on behalf of everyone detained as a result of the demonstrations. We are also involving law enforcement for the October 1 protest. To inform him of the protests, we have sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police. Any Nigerian who has their rights violated simply because they took part in a protest will, in our opinion, be protected.

How many individuals who took part in the previous protest are still being held in custody?
I am unable to quantify that. We’ve been told that the police and DSS are holding some of them. I’m not sure how many it is. Protesting shouldn’t be a crime for anyone. We are addressing the issues to the best of our knowledge. We will stop at nothing to ensure their release. There won’t be a meeting point in this case unless every prisoner is freed. There is no room for discussion on this. The fact that Nigerians are being detained for airing their complaints is a disgrace to them. In an ostensibly democratic system, such treatment is unacceptable.

You were detained at some time after becoming the victim of a violation of your human rights. Regarding this administration’s record on human rights, what are your thoughts?
My experience gave me courage. One thing is certain: people in charge in our nation are tyrants, not Democrats. The Tinubu administration is only acting democratic; it is not. Why is the government suppressing the freedom to protest if it is a democratic one? Why are they detaining journalists in an attempt to undermine the media?

Do you think the demonstrators who are in custody will receive justice?

They will, indeed. The accusations made by the government don’t concern us. Why do they make arrests? They were accused by the government of treason on WhatsApp. I’m not sure what that implies. Perhaps we would understand what they meant when the trial began. It is critical that we, the people and the human rights community, hold our leaders responsible. And we’re going to carry that out.

Do you think a large number of Nigerians will turn out this time?
I disagree that Nigerians are incapable of maintaining a demonstration. Protests were held both prior to and following #EndSARS. Whether the Tinubu government likes it or not, Nigerians have, in my opinion, made the crucial decision to not be a conquered nation. People need to keep protesting because they won’t have any other choice. The nation is in dire straits; this administration has ruined the economy, the people have been impacted by inflation, and nothing is being done. While people are suffering, the President is purchasing new aircraft. How come there wouldn’t be a protest? People should not be intimidated by the savagery of a poorly run government.