JUST IN: Nigeria’s FHC Upholds Protesters’ Rights, Rejects Bid To Halt #Endbadgovernanceinnigeria Movement

By Elizabeth Austin, Lagos

In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court (FHC) has rejected a motion seeking to halt the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, affirming the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and free speech.

The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu on Monday, August 12, 2024, has emboldened protesters who have been demanding improved economic conditions, reduced fuel prices, enhanced human rights, and greater government accountability.

The rejected motion, filed by 16 Nigerians, including Danladi Goje, Buky Abayomi, and Adiza Abbo, sought to enforce their fundamental rights against the organizations involved in the protests. The applicants sued various organizations, including Take It Back Movement, Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative For Change, Human Rights Co-advocacy Initiative, Nigerian Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens For Change Advocacy Initiative, and Timely Intervention.

However, the court dismissed the application due to the Attorney’s failure to provide a sworn affidavit supporting the temporary restraining order and alternative service.

Furthermore, the judge held that it was not good for the Lawyer to rush his notice ex parte, especially without providing the required affidavit to support his requests for an interim injunction and substituted service.

It is no longer news that the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement has drawn millions of Nigerians across the country, with many calling for President Bola Tinubu to address their concerns. The protests have sparked a national conversation on governance, economic reform, and human rights.

“This is a victory for democracy and the people’s right to protest,” said Omoyele Sowore, one of the protest organizers. “We will continue to demand change until our voices are heard.”

The court’s ruling has been hailed as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, with many hoping that it will pave the way for meaningful reforms.

In a related development, the Take It Back movement, one of the organizers of the protests, has promised to return to the streets with a 10-million-person march if President Bola Tinubu fails to attend to their demands.