Makoko demolitions: Police used expired tear gas on protesters – Falana
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, accused the police of using expired tear gas canisters against protesters during recent demolitions in the Makoko area of Lagos State. He made these allegations during a visit to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he met with individuals injured in the protests. Falana emphasized that in his 40 years of experience participating in various protests across Nigeria, he had never witnessed tear gas causing such severe injuries, which he described as alarming and abnormal.
The protests arose in response to illegal demolitions and forced evictions taking place in the Makoko waterfront community. Falana condemned the police’s actions as unconstitutional, highlighting that they infringed upon the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. He noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and pointed out that Nigerian citizens do not need police permits to engage in protests. Instead, he clarified that the Police Establishment Act merely requires organizers to notify the police, who then have a duty to ensure the safety and security of the protest.
Falana’s statements have sparked significant conversation around the appropriateness of police responses to protests in Nigeria, especially in the wake of increasing complaints about the handling of demonstrations by law enforcement. The situation in Makoko serves as a pressing example of the ongoing struggles citizens face regarding housing rights and the need to protect peaceful protests.
The ramifications of such police actions not only raise concerns about public safety but also beg questions regarding the respect for human rights in Nigeria. As protests continue to serve as a platform for citizens to express discontent over state actions, including evictions and demolitions, the commitment to upholding constitutional rights will be pivotal. Falana’s engagement in this matter underscores his advocacy for accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights, encouraging a broader discourse on the necessity for policing reforms in Nigeria.
While the protests have highlighted the urgent need for systemic change, Falana’s observations intend to bring attention to the disproportionate force used against ordinary citizens demanding their rights. With the international community also looking towards Nigeria, the events in Makoko may serve as a catalyst for further discussions on governance, human rights, and the role of law enforcement in bridging the gap between state authority and citizen engagement.
In summary, Falana’s allegations against the police during the Makoko protests paint a concerning picture of human rights violations. His advocacy emphasizes the need for the government to respect constitutional freedoms and reassess the measures used to maintain order during peaceful assemblies. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, the Makoko protests could emerge as a defining moment in the quest for justice and human rights in the nation.
