#EndSARS Advocates Clamp Down: Descent into tyranny — NAS

CSOs accuse govt of oppression, abuse of human rights of #EndSARS promoters, activists
A file image of the #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Tollgate, before the gunfire.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

 

The National Association of Seadogs, NAS, has condemned the alleged victimization and intimidation of the advocates of the #EndSARS protests by the Federal Government of Nigeria, describing the action as a descent to tyranny.

NAS, also known as Pyrates Confraternity said it was extremely distressing that the Federal Government who, not only acknowledged the constitutional right of the protesters but also admitted the protests were peaceful and initially acknowledged the legitimate demands of the peaceful #EndSARS protesters by proceeding to accede to the demands, would do a complete volte-face accusing them of some nebulous crimes bordering on terrorism and regime change.

 

The association in a statement issued by its Capoon, Mr. Abiola Owoaje, on Friday said “the hounding and persecution of people connected with the #EndSARS protests have depicted this government as hostile to dissent, unconcerned by the suffering of the people and opposed to the calls for good governance.

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back link building services=0></a></div><p>“Besides, it appears the government has left the obvious fight against terrorists and bandits who, time and time again leave trails of blood and wanton destruction across the length and breadth of the country, to now target innocent Nigerians whose only crime was calling for an end to oppressive policing.”</p><p>NAS called on the Federal Government to immediately direct the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to unfreeze the accounts of the #EndSARS supporters.</p><p> </p><p>It further told the government to direct its agencies and institutions to stop forthwith the harassment of partakers in the #EndSARS protests, adding “No amount of intimidation can silence the voice of Nigerians. Nigerians fought with their sweat and blood for this democracy and are prepared to defend their right to protest against impunity.”</p><p> </p><p>Recall that the bank account of about 20 perceived supporters of the #EndSARS protests, who were exercising their rights as guaranteed by Section 40 of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution speaking up against police brutality and extra-judicial killing was reportedly frozen by the Central Bank of Nigeria.</p><p> </p><p>The apex bank had obtained a court order to freeze the accounts claiming it was conducting an investigation into the accounts and one of the supporters was even prevented from traveling by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) while others were being targeted for arrest.</p><div class='code-block code-block-5' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'> <a href=https://www.adhang.com/guest-posting-services/ ><img class=lazy src=