The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), a coalition of 130 civil society and community-based organisations, has condemned recent “sponsored protests” targeting Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist.
In a statement signed by Kudu Abubakar and Taiwo Adeleye on behalf of the NHRC, the group described the protests as an attack on the foundations of democracy and free speech.
The coalition expressed concern that such “orchestrated rallies” undermine democratic integrity and fuel authoritarian tendencies
The NHRC criticised a recent rally in Abuja led by one Solomon Semaka, where protesters carried banners reading “Falana stop blackmailing Nigerian military” and “Falana enough is enough”.
Advertisement
The coalition labelled the protest as irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to tarnish Falana’s historic contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
“This action of a few scavengers is ridiculous. It is an attack on free speech and a dangerous pattern that may promote counter measures from Nigerian masses who largely support the historic interventions of Mr Falana in the affairs of bad governance in Nigeria spanning over four decades,” the statement reads.
The group warned that the attacks on Falana, who has defended the rights of many including military personnel, risk provoking widespread public backlash.
Advertisement
“This action of a few scavengers is ridiculous and dangerous,” the NHRC said, urging Nigerians to oppose attempts to undermine Falana’s legacy.
The NHRC also cautioned the military, suspected of funding the protests, to avoid provoking counter-demonstrations from Nigerians who support Falana’s interventions against bad governance and human rights abuses.
