CISLAC Urges Nigerian Government to Address Concerns with Clear Timeframe Instead of Suppressing Protests

Maryam Aminu

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has called on the Nigerian government to set a clear timeframe for addressing citizens’ grievances instead of attempting to suppress protests.

This call comes amid growing public discontent over issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, insecurity, and the erosion of institutional integrity.

In a recent statement, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, highlighted the urgent need for decisive government action to tackle these pressing issues.

“Inflation, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity are critical challenges that need urgent attention.

The integrity of our institutions is in question, and it is imperative to restore trust and confidence so that citizens can once again believe in their country,” stated Rafsanjani.

CISLAC emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of protesters, stressing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in Nigeria.

Rafsanjani remarked, “Protesters must be protected. This is a democratic right, and the government should ensure their safety. The protests should not be framed along religious, ethnic, and political lines; rather, the government at all levels should listen to and address the genuine concerns of the people.”

The organization urged local and state governments to leverage their influence constructively to resolve issues rather than exerting undue pressure on protesters, which could provoke further unrest.

Rafsanjani underscored the need for a clear timeframe for resolving these problems instead of merely attempting to halt protests or arresting those who wish to protest.

CISLAC also warned against the military’s involvement in handling domestic issues, which should be the responsibility of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

“The military should not assume the role of the police in domestic matters. Professionalism and restraint are essential to avoid escalating tensions,” Rafsanjani cautioned.

Furthermore, the organization called on protesters to remain responsible and vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit the protests for negative purposes.

“Protesters must remain peaceful and vigilant. The police should protect them and ensure the protest does not escalate due to the actions of those with malicious intentions,” he noted.

CISLAC called for comprehensive measures to address the issues at hand, allowing citizens to freely express their opinions on government actions.

“In a democratic setting, every individual should have the right to express their views on government performance. President Bola Tinubu, himself a product of protest, should understand and respect this right.”

The organization stands firmly with citizens in their right to peaceful protest and urges the government to act with urgency and responsibility in addressing the concerns raised by Nigerians.

CISLAC also called on governments at both state and national levels to release those arrested for expressing their desire to join peaceful protests for positive change.