#Lekkishooting: Pan African Lawyers Union Condemns Military Attacks On Unarmed Protesters, Asks Government To Bring Perpetrators To Book

Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has condemned the military violence unleashed on #EndSARS protesters in Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday night, describing it as a breach of relevant codes under International Law.

This is contained in a statement issued by PALU President, Emeka J. P. Obegolu which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer.

“The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has been observing, with grave concern, the gradual descent into anarchy in parts of Nigeria orchestrated by the excessive use of force to stop a peaceful civil protest under the guise of enforcement of curfew imposed by government and the attendant acts of repression of civil protests by thugs allegedly at the instigation of government sympathizers”, he said.

In addition, PALU draws the attention of the Nigerian Government to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials on usage of force to disperse protesters.

“PALU invites the Government of Nigeria to note the 1990 United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials which provides that In the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary”.

“PALU notes that Nigeria is a state party to the 1966 international Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 21, which governs the right of peaceful assembly provides that The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others”, the statement added.

Meanwhile, PALU calls on the Government to guarantee “the security of lives and properties of the citizens and residents of Nigeria, including their fundamental human rights as provided for under the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Human and Peoples rights”.

“Respect and protect the rights of her citizens to peacefully protest against perceived wrongful and oppressive acts of agencies of government and security agencies.

“Commence immediate and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of unarmed protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos state by soldiers with a view to bringing the identified culprits to book.

“Investigate the intimidations and violent attacks on peaceful protesters in different parts of the country, including Abuja, Lagos and Kano states by persons alleged to be sponsored thugs, with a view to unmasking the sponsors and bringing the perpetrators to book.

“Commence a comprehensive census of all the victims of rights violations during the period while the protests lasted and work with national civil society organizations, led by the Nigerian Bar Association to propose adequate compensations and immediate payment to the victims.”

Furthermore, it was noted that the protesters deserve a commendation for keeping the protest a peaceful one and urged them to resist making it a violent one.

“The Pan African Lawyers Union commends the Protesters and their leadership for keeping the protest largely peaceful and urges Nigerians to resist the temptation to engage in violent protests or confrontation with security agencies.”

Finally, the statement added that it would support any initiative brought up by the Nigerian Bar Association as the events unfold in the country.

“PALU will continue monitoring events as they unfold and will lend our support to any initiative of the Nigerian Bar Association in response to the unfolding events”, the statement concluded.