Protest is a Right, Not a Crime

Kindly Share This

By Editorial Team

Peaceful protest remains one of the strongest voices of democracy. It is a fundamental human right that allows citizens to express their opinions and draw government attention to injustice, hardship or public concerns. The right to protest is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and recognized across the world as a key pillar of freedom.

No government has the moral or legal power to deny citizens this right. The duty of the state is to protect freedoms, not to silence them. When people feel ignored, protest becomes a legitimate way to speak to authority. Many social and political changes in history began with peaceful demonstrations that challenged injustice and demanded accountability.

The true power of protest lies in order and discipline. When protests are hijacked by mobs without leadership or clear direction, they quickly turn into chaos. What should have been a movement for justice becomes an avenue for violence and destruction. A protest without structure or responsible leadership easily slides into confusion, giving government an excuse to clamp down and weakening the moral strength of the cause.

Protest must never be used by politicians or individuals with selfish interests to destabilize society. Turning genuine struggles into political tools or opportunities for personal gain is a betrayal of the people. Some individuals now use protests for cheap publicity, content creation or social media attention. Such behaviour mocks the pain of citizens and reduces the seriousness of the cause being raised.

Every responsible protest must remain peaceful. Protesters should respect the rights of others who are not part of their action. Blocking roads, attacking motorists or preventing people from going to work or to the hospital defeats the purpose of the protest. It adds to the suffering of innocent citizens and creates anger against the very people protesting. A protest meant to fight injustice should not create new injustices.

There are many ways to make a protest effective without violence or obstruction. Peaceful marches, public statements, community meetings and symbolic gatherings can all pass strong messages. Orderly protests attract public sympathy and even the attention of reasonable voices in government. Violence and destruction only attract fear and hostility.

Protesters should remember that discipline gives legitimacy. Those who join protests should conduct themselves responsibly, obey instructions from organizers and identify those who come to cause trouble. Genuine protesters should isolate and report such elements to prevent the protest from being hijacked. The goal is not to fight the state but to engage it constructively for change.

On the part of government and security agencies, they must provide a safe and enabling environment for peaceful demonstrations. The duty of law enforcement is to protect both protesters and non-protesters. Security operatives should remain neutral and professional, avoiding intimidation or provocation. Using live bullets against protesters is unacceptable under any circumstance.

Even when a protest turns violent, security agencies must apply global best practices to restore order through dialogue, restraint and non-lethal methods. The use of excessive force only deepens anger and damages public trust. Security officers are trained professionals and must always act with maturity.

Government should also listen to the message behind every protest. Suppressing voices does not solve problems; it only postpones them. Dialogue is always better than denial. Most protests are born from frustration and neglect. When leaders engage protesters early and show genuine concern, tension can be reduced before it spreads.

Citizens too must protest with purpose and respect. It is not enough to be angry. Protests should be organized around clear demands and realistic solutions. The aim should be to draw attention, not to destroy property or disrupt lives. Every peaceful protest strengthens democracy; every violent one weakens it.

Nigeria has a long history of protest leading to positive change. From the struggle for independence to the demand for democracy, peaceful demonstrations have shaped the nation’s progress. The lesson is simple: protest brings results when guided by reason and discipline.

The right to protest belongs to every citizen. But that right comes with responsibility to stay peaceful, respect others and obey the law. Government must also understand that protest is not rebellion; it is a voice seeking attention and justice.

Democracy cannot survive without free expression. Protest is not a crime. It is the conscience of a nation speaking aloud. What matters is that both citizens and the state handle it with respect, maturity and humanity.