The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the protection of protesters amid rising concerns that ongoing demonstrations are being hijacked by criminal elements and political actors with malicious intentions.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, condemned the hijacking of peaceful protests in various locations and called for increased efforts to safeguard the rights of demonstrators. However, he also urged protesters to refrain from destroying property and public infrastructure.
Rafsanjani expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation, particularly in states like Kano, where non-state actors and political interference have reportedly influenced the actions of security operatives, leading to inadequate protection of peaceful protesters.
“The peaceful demonstrations by Nigerians, initially intended to express legitimate grievances, have unfortunately been hijacked and turned into violent chaos. Criminal elements are exploiting the protests to create further unrest and undermine public safety,” he stated.
The CISLAC director emphasized the need for the government to avoid politicizing security measures, especially in Kano, and to prioritize the protection of lives and property. He pointed out that the violence and destruction currently witnessed were contrary to the intentions of the original peaceful protests.
Rafsanjani also condemned provocative statements made by public officials, which he said have exacerbated tensions and incited further unrest. He criticized the government for allegedly sponsoring counter-protests aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the demonstrations, warning that such actions have endangered peaceful protesters and facilitated hijacking by thugs and non-state actors.
CISLAC, Rafsanjani noted, had previously called on the government to ensure the protection of peaceful protesters—a measure that, if properly implemented, could have prevented the current chaos. He urged genuine protesters to continue their demonstrations peacefully to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation and called on all Nigerians to avoid any form of violence or destruction.
“We appeal to all Nigerians to avoid any violent, criminal, and political destruction. The protests, meant to address legitimate concerns, should not be equated with criminal activities and violence,” Rafsanjani said.
He reaffirmed CISLAC’s commitment to advocating for the protection of citizens’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard in a safe and peaceful manner.
