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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised serious concerns over the prosecution of individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, describing the legal actions as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, stated that these prosecutions undermine the fundamental rights of citizens to express their grievances and demand accountability from their leaders.
“We view these actions as a direct attack on democracy. The right to protest peacefully and freely express one’s views is a cornerstone of any democratic society. These prosecutions are contrary to the democratic values that Nigeria upholds,” Babatunde emphasized.
NANS called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and stop the prosecutions immediately, highlighting the need to protect the rights of citizens to peaceful protest and free expression.
“We make an earnest appeal to His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to intervene in this matter with the urgency it requires. Prosecuting these protesters undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which you have consistently championed. We urge you to demonstrate your commitment to these values by ensuring that the prosecution is halted immediately,” Babatunde added.
The student body argued that the #EndBadGovernance protesters were motivated by a genuine desire for positive change in the country, not by malice or disobedience.
“These individuals took to the streets not out of malice or disobedience but from a deep-seated desire for change and improvement in our beloved nation. Their voices, far from being silenced, should be heard and respected,” the statement noted.
NANS further called for meaningful dialogue between the government and its citizens to resolve differences peacefully.
It warned that continuing with the prosecutions could set a dangerous precedent that discourages civic engagement and stifles democratic expression.
“The prosecution of these protesters sets a dangerous precedent that could discourage civic engagement and stifle the very essence of our democracy. Let us work together to build a nation where freedom of expression is not just a theoretical right but a lived reality for every Nigerian,” Babatunde stated.
This plea from NANS comes in the wake of the Federal Government arraigning 10 #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, before the Federal High Court on Monday.
The defendants are facing a six-count charge, including alleged treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria, conspiracy to commit a felony, and incitement to mutiny—offenses punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code.
The defendants were also accused of waging war against the state with the intent to intimidate the president, allegedly involving attacks on police officers, the burning of police stations, and targeting various buildings, including the High Court complex, the NCC complex, the Kano printing press, and the Kano Government House.
NANS continues to advocate for the rights of all Nigerians to engage in peaceful protest and to express their views without fear of retribution, urging the government to act in a manner that supports democratic principles and upholds the rule of law.
