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Nnamdi Kanu: Rights Group Kicks Over Protest Ban, Tasks Nigerian Government
A human rights and pro-democracy organization, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development, FENRAD, has condemned the restriction placed on the organizers of the ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protest.
FENRAD, in a statement on Sunday by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, its Executive Director, said the actions of the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force in restricting peaceful protests to some location within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was unjustified.
DAILY POST recalls that following a Federal High Court ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 – Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, the Nigeria Police had warned the organisers of the protest to keep off the National Assembly, Aso Rock Villa, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
It acknowledged the need for public order and national security, it is deeply concerned that such sweeping restrictions represent a dangerous erosion of constitutionally guaranteed rights, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression as enshrined in Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as relevant international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
According to him, “The decision to criminalize peaceful gatherings — particularly those advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, a matter of national and international human rights interest — sets a disturbing precedent and raises questions about the government’s tolerance for dissent and democratic engagement.”
The rights group then emphasized that “court orders should not be used as tools to suppress lawful civil expression. Judicial pronouncements that infringe on fundamental rights must be challenged and subjected to higher judicial scrutiny.
“The blanket ban on protests near key national sites amounts to the militarization of civil space, especially in a democracy. Protest is a legitimate instrument of public expression in democratic societies.
“Security concerns must never override human rights. Peaceful protest is not synonymous with violence. The presumption of criminality against peaceful demonstrators is a breach of both domestic and international legal norms.
“The right to assemble and protest is non-negotiable in a democratic society. Governments should engage with and address grievances through dialogue, not repression.”
FENRAD urged the Nigerian Government, particularly the police and other security agencies, to reconsider this unconstitutional position and allow citizens to freely express themselves within the ambit of the law.
“We call on civil society, the legal community, the international community, and all lovers of democracy to stand firm in defence of civil liberties in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s democracy must not become a mere slogan — it must reflect in how authorities treat dissenting voices, especially those calling for justice and human rights,” it further stated.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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