By Abdullahi Yusuf
A group,War Against Injustice,has decried what it called repeated arrests and harassment of Investigative Journalists, Protesters and Activists in the country.
“We are appalled and frustrated by the repeated arrests and harassment of peaceful protesters, investigative journalists and activists in Nigeria,”the Executive Director of the group, Comrade Umar Ibrahim Umar, said.
Umar made the remarks at a news conference held at the NUJ press centre,Kano,on Wednesday Night.
He urged the Nigerian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the press as enshrined in Sections 22,39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“We demand an end to the intimidation and harassment of citizens who exercise their rights to peaceful protests and free speech.The arrest of journalists and protesters is a clear violation of their rights and a threat to democracy.
“We call on the Nigerian Government to respect the role of the press in holding those in power accountable and to ensure that journalists can work without fear of arrest, harassment or intimidation,”he said.
He then urged the government to take measures to end poverty, hunger and unemployment, reduce school fees, ensure good governance and accountability and decent wages for Nigerian workers.
The, group,however,said it had shelved its plans to participate in the ongoing protests against hunger and economic hardships in the country,citing security concerns in Kano State.
“We stand before you today with a mixture of frustration and and determination.Frustration because we had planned to hold a peaceful rally to express our concerns about the state of the nation,but due to security concerns in Kano State,we are forced to abandon the those plans.
“And determination because we will not be silenced,and we will continue to demand a better Nigeria for all,” the group added.