#RevolutionNow activists on Monday stormed the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Maitama, to protest against the poor security situation and other social issues in the country. The did this in defiance of the heavy rain in Abuja.
The protesters had planned to hold the rally at the Unity Fountain, but sources said that they were forced to change the venue following the lockdown of the park by policemen.
They reportedly sent out messages on social media that the protest would hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, but moved to the NHRC under the rain where they successfully held their rally.
The authorities had drafted a combined team of police and soldiers to the Federal Secretariat and the Eagle Square to thwart the protest.
The protesters delivered a letter to the NHRC in which they expressed their displeasure at what they called the continued silence of the commission in the face of the undemocratic practices in the country.
Coordinator of the protest, Dare-Atoye Ariyo said, “The ever growing proclivity of the President Buhari-led regime for human rights abuses is indicative of a complete departure from all democratic tenets, norms and practices.”
He said Sowore’s arrest was undemocratic and disgraceful.
Ariyo added, “We are completely dissatisfied by the eerie silence of the National Human Rights Commission in the face of these undemocratic developments.
“Our dissatisfaction is further aggravated by the fact that the role of the NHRC in defending the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerians is well-revered and dearly treasured by Nigerians.”