Connected Development, a civil society organisation, has urged security agencies to handle the nationwide #EndHunger protest professionally by not intimidating or oppressing peaceful protesters.

CODE founder Hamzat Lawal said this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Lawal also deplored the disorder, looting and destruction carried out by some of the protesters in different parts of the country.
He said his organisation stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria as they exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protests.

The CODE boss said, “The ongoing demonstrations across the country are a clear expression of the widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs of the country.

“It is imperative that the government takes urgent and concrete steps to address the issues raised by the citizens. This includes but not limited to economic hardship, the lack of accountability and transparency in governance, among others fuelling inequality.”

According to him, it is not only the duty of the government to listen but also to act decisively in addressing the root causes of these frustrations.

Mr Lawal condemned the excessive use of force by some security personnel against the protesters, stressing that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society and undermined the principles of justice and freedom that our nation stands for.

He further said that the government should ensure that security forces respect the rights of citizens and refrain from any actions that escalate tensions or infringe upon civil liberties.

Mr Lawal said CODE remained committed to advocating good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.

(NAN)