The Citizens Coalition Against Corruption and Injustice (CCACI) has called for the unconditional release of over 200 peaceful protesters arrested by security agents while exercising their constitutional right of demanding good governance from their government.
The Co-Convener of the Coalition, Amb Chris Iyama, in a statement on Wednesday (today, August 7) alleged that the police suppressed, arrested and used live ammunition on peaceful protesters, resulting in the death of over 30 citizens, including women and children.
‘Strongly’ condemning the killings and arrest of other peaceful protesters and journalists across the country in the last six days, the group described the development as a rape on democracy, adding: “(We in) Citizens Coalition Against Corruption and Injustice (CCACI), have followed keenly the events of the last six days of the #EndBadGovernance protest across Nigeria and want to register our displeasure and disappointment in the men of the Nigerian police.
“It is saddening to see the Nigerian police suppress, arrest and use live ammunition on peaceful protesters which has led to the death of over 30 citizens including women and children and the unlawful arrest and detention of over 200 peaceful protesters and journalists.
“We have seen disturbing videos of the police officers manhandling journalists, using teargas and live ammunition on unarmed protesters; among them is the shocking video where the police was manhandling a physically challenged citizen in Bauchi state.
“This is very inhuman and shameful of an institution whose primary responsibility is to protect the citizens.”
Iyama, however, reiterated that as a civil society and citizens’ coalition, he and his team are with the people of Nigeria as they demand an end to bad governance.
“We express our deep concern over the government’s use of force on its citizens who are only asking the leaders to live up to the primary responsibility of the office they occupy,” Iyama lamented.
“This is a rape of our democracy and a dishonour to the legacy of those who fought and laid down their life for future generations to live freely without oppression.”
