Human rights activist and Inibehe Effiong Inibehe Effiong, representing some of the detained #EndBadGovernance protesters, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that planned protests on October 1 will proceed, despite state-sponsored intimidation and mass arrests.
Effiong, who has been vocal against the criminalization of peaceful protest under the Tinubu administration, condemned the continued detention of protesters, calling it a violation of constitutional rights.
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Speaking in an interview, Effiong stressed that Nigerians have an unalienable right to protest and that the government’s attempts to stifle this right through arrests and charges—some based on accusations of “treason”—are unjust.
He accused the government of using fear tactics to distract from the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions, which he said have left many Nigerians disillusioned and aggrieved.
“People have the right to protest every day if necessary,” Effiong stated. “This is our country, not Tinubu’s or the APC’s. We will continue to defend the right of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.”
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Despite reports of low turnout due to fear of arrest, Effiong encouraged Nigerians to stand firm and overcome any intimidation tactics.
He described the charges brought against the detained protesters as baseless and criticized the government for what he termed its authoritarian approach to governance.
Effiong further explained that multiple legal actions are being pursued to secure the release of the protesters.
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Effiong, who himself has faced human rights violations and detention in the past, said the ongoing actions by the administration indicate a lack of democratic values.
He noted that if the government were truly democratic, it would not be suppressing peaceful protests and silencing dissent through arrests.
“We will not negotiate their right to protest,” Effiong declared, insisting that all detainees must be released without conditions.
“There is no meeting point on this matter except the full release of all detainees.”
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He also expressed confidence that the October 1 protests will draw significant participation, dismissing concerns that Nigerians would not sustain the movement.
He emphasized that the poor economic conditions and the government’s alleged mismanagement of the nation have left the people with no other option but to demand change.
As the protests approach, Effiong and his colleagues are working closely with law enforcement agencies, including having notified the Inspector General of Police, in a bid to protect the rights of those participating in the demonstrations.
