You abuse your constitutional rights by waving Russia flags – Falana warns protesters
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has cautioned protesters to avoid actions that could undermine the purpose of their demonstrations.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Falana urged Nigerian youths protesting against hunger, hardship, and socio-economic policies to stay away from violence and avoid undemocratic groups that are using the protests to incite violence or push for a military coup.
Falana criticized the act of waving the Russian flag during protests, calling it an abuse of constitutional rights. This warning comes in response to recent violent protests in Northern Nigeria, where some protesters were seen waving the Russian flag and chanting “Tinubu must go.”
He said, “The right to protest must be exercised peacefully and within the law. Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020 requires the Nigeria Police Force to ensure adequate security for public meetings, rallies, and protests. In many areas, the police have provided good security for the #endbadgovernance protesters, showing professionalism.”
Falana added, “While supporting the right to protest, it is important to distance these protests from undemocratic forces who are using them to promote violence or call for a military coup.”
He emphasized that waving the Russian flag or calling for a military coup is a serious misuse of the right to protest. “Legitimate protests against hardship should not turn into a campaign for unconstitutional government changes. Those involved in such illegal activities should cease immediately, or they may face charges of treasonable felony under section 41 of the Criminal Code Act.”
Falana also suggested that to make unconstitutional changes less appealing, the Bola Tinubu administration should address the neoliberal policies contributing to poverty and hardship.
