Aug.2, 2024
Anthony Agbonlahor, a Constitutional lawyer based in Abuja has warned that although protest is constitutional, destruction of properties, government or private has no legal backing in the law.
Agbonlahor, who spoke in an interview, said that citizens have the right to peaceful protest.
The lawyer, who decried that hoodlums oftentimes hijack peaceful protests , cautioned that protesters should not allow peaceful protest to snowball into anarchy.
“Nobody will clap for you when you destroy government properties, loot shops or other business in the name of protest .
” Government as well as all well meaning Nigerians frown at violence and breakdown of law and order.
“Protest should be done in a peaceful way and manner in order to achieve its aim, ” Agbonlahor said.
The lawyer said protesters must be heard and government should listen to the demands of the people and act accordingly.
He, however stressed that the ability to protest without violence was a challenge in Nigeria , hence protest organisers should ensure that there was no violence nor any form of destruction
Aa at press time, Gidan Daya community, down to Orozo in Garki Local Government Area in the Federal Capital Territory, remained peaceful as people stayed indoors.