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AN URGE FOR ACTION! While peaceful protests are a powerful way to make our voices heard, making a difference doesn't always require us to be on the streets. Not everyone can take part in physical protests, but that doesn’t mean our voices can't reach those in power. ADVOCACY BEGINS RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE! For months, I’ve been consistently reaching out to authorities, voicing my deep concern about the pressing issue of women’s safety. Although the response I received was limited and perhaps not as impactful as I hoped, it’s still a step forward—a small, yet meaningful, move toward change. EVERY ACTION MATTERS! Even when the results seem negligible, they still push us in the right direction. These small victories inspire me to keep going. They remind us that while change may seem slow, persistence is key. We don’t always have to protest in the streets to raise our voices. We can contribute by: - Writing emails to decision-makers, - Filing petitions, - Raising awareness in our communities, or - Amplifying the cause through social media, etc. It’s not about the method—it’s about the MESSAGE. But let’s not forget the most important part: FOLLOW WHAT YOU PREACH! The power of PERSISTENCE cannot be underestimated. Every voice matters. Every action counts. It’s heartbreaking to see that despite the changes in laws and societal progress, sexual offenses continue to rise, affecting not only women but humanity as a whole— regardless of gender, age, culture, or background. We witness the same cycle: Days of public outrage -> candle light protests -> and then, sadly, everything returns to "NORMAL." This cannot be our reality any longer! We need TRANSFORMATION— both in EDUCATION and in JUSTICE— to create a society that not only condemns such acts but PREVENTS them. So let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep supporting. Let’s strive for a world where humanity prevails, and safety is a right, not a privilege. #WomensSafety #SpeakUp #BeTheChange #PersistenceMatters #EveryVoiceCounts #AdvocacyInAction

IS THE RIGHT TO PROTEST CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED? Nigerian citizens have recently expressed their desire to protest against the high cost of living, widespread poverty, and hunger in their society. The planned action slated for August 1, 2024, has been condemned by top political figures. The burning question is whether the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) Provides for the right to peaceful assembly and association. Section 40 of the constitution states verbatim "Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with others, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests: The phrase 'to assemble freely...for the protection of his interests' guarantees the right to protest. The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right that allows people to come together and express their ideas, opinions, and interests in a peaceful and nonviolent manner. This right is necessary for democratic participation, freedom of expression, and social justice. Several international instruments on human rights safeguard the right to peaceful assembly, including: 1. Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 2. Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 3. Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) This right includes the freedom to: a. Hold peaceful gatherings, demonstrations, and protests b. Express opinions and views through speeches, banners, and other forms of expression c. Assemble in public spaces, such as parks, streets, and squares d. Associate with others who share similar interests and goals However, this right is not absolute and may be subject to certain limitations, such as: a. Ensuring public safety and order b. Protecting the rights of others c. Preventing violence or property damage Governments have a responsibility to protect and facilitate the exercise of this right, including by: a. Providing a safe and enabling environment for peaceful assembly b. Facilitating access to public spaces and resources c. Ensuring that law enforcement officials respond proportionately and with restraint In conclusion, protests are guaranteed by the constitution, however, it is not absolute as violence is a limitation to this right.Citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, but they must refrain from using violence.

Theories of democracy generally value citizen activism as an essential component of a healthy democratic system. Hence, people engage in protests, participate in signature campaigns, and contribute to online and offline public discourse. What happens, however, if instead of individuals, institutions or branches of government engage in activism? Consider courts, for instance. Read here: https://lnkd.in/gF34BMFc

*Say No To Violence* _It's time to build, not to destroy._ Protest is a fundamental pillar of democratic society. It is a powerful way for individuals and groups to express their opinions, advocate for change, and hold those in power accountable. However, it is crucial to emphasize that protests must remain peaceful and respectful of public and private property. Violence and the destruction of property not only undermine the legitimacy of the protestors' message but also harm the very communities that activists often seek to protect and uplift. When protests devolve into chaos, the focus shifts from the issues at hand to the damage caused, detracting from the intended message and alienating potential allies. I stand for constructive dialogue and peaceful demonstrations. Meaningful change can be achieved through organized, non-violent actions that foster understanding and cooperation among all parties involved. By choosing peaceful protest, we honor the principles of justice and respect for all individuals, ensuring that our voices are heard without inflicting harm or perpetuating cycles of violence. In conclusion, while it is our right to protest, we must exercise this right responsibly. I urge everyone to say no to violence and yes to peaceful advocacy, as it is through unity and non-violent action that we can truly create a positive and lasting impact. *Mrs. Tosin Hussein* Tosin Hussein Campaign Organization Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Lagos State.

What exactly is 'unreasonable' protest? It is said that democracies should be judged not by how they privilege majority opinion, but how they protect minority opinion. This notion is currently being tested to destruction by state responses to political protest in Europe, as the latest report by the human rights think tank Liberties confirms. In a world where so many are locked in algorithmically determined social media silos, activists increasingly feel they have to be disruptive simply to get attention. Unsurprisingly much of the public don't like this, although inconsistently. British juries regularly refuse to convict cause activists, and XR's first two week long large-scale climate occupations of central London in April 2019 were tolerated (grudgingly) by the government and even normally unsympathetic media outlets. However the Liberties report reveals that more and more governments, especially those on the right, are determined to get protestors off the streets and out of the way. They are imposing increasingly draconian restrictions, and threatening those who persist with jail time and pre-emptive arrests. Is this political theatre designed to warm up their bases, or do politicians seriously feel threatened by peaceful, albeit angry, crowds? Answers please on a postcard/email/social media post...

💡 Interesting new study on how to respond to populist protests by Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) Based on this analysis, the study presents three recommendations for international democracy promoters: ❗Develop analytical tools to mitigate biases in the assessment of populist protest groups. ❗ Engage with moderate populist protest groups and contain extreme ones. ❗Establish a network of politically diverse democracy promoters and prioritize defending democracy.

Protest Rocks PDP Secretariat Over Rivers LG Poll A massive protest erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, as tensions escalate ahead of the October 5, 2024 Local Government election. The protesters, comprising party supporters and loyalists of Governor Nyesom Wike, gathered at the party's secretariat, prompting security operatives to intervene and manage the crowd and traffic congestion. Channels Television Report that's, The protesters, who arrived in large numbers at the party’s secretariat, forced security operatives to step in to control the crowd and manage traffic congestion in the area, The protest is reportedly against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the conduct of the forthcoming Local Government election. Some protesters alleged that the election process is flawed and may be rigged, while others demanded that the election be postponed or cancelled altogether. To maintain law and order, security personnel were deployed to the scene, with reports indicating that the protest was generally peaceful. The security operatives helped to control the crowd and ensure that the situation did not escalate further. Reacting to the development, some observers expressed concerns that the protest may be a sign of deeper issues within the PDP and the state's electoral process. Others, however, saw the protest as a legitimate expression of discontent by party loyalists and stakeholders. The protest has significant implications for the upcoming Local Government election, with some analysts warning that it may undermine the credibility of the electoral process. Others, however, argue that the protest reflects the vibrant democratic culture in Rivers State and the determination of citizens to hold their leaders accountable. The protest at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt highlights the tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Rivers State Local Government election. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the state's political landscape.

My Position on the Nationwide Protest of our Young Citizens All reasonable people know that majority of our citizens- especially the young ones- are distressed on many counts, from biting economic hardship that is prevalent in the country today. They blame it on Bad Governance and are therefore demanding an end to it. What is there to contest on a clearly established matter like this? Unfortunately, the language and actions of politicians, public officials and their allies to the distress of citizens are far from democratic and empathetic. News in the media suggest that our young citizens are planning to protest nationwide. And as we all read the reactions on social and other media, it does appear that the planned protests already agitate the federal and state governments. I hope the @NigeriaGov and its allies can quickly and wisely cease from threatening those among our Citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right of expression, association and movement through a nationwide protest. I urge the @NGRPresident @NGRSenate @HouseNGR leadership and members as well as Governors across the country to not waste the golden opportunity that the planned protests are offering them as holders of public positions. Use this opportunity of the planned protests to engage your dissatisfied and disaffected young citizens with utmost civility. Here are at least 2 wise actions that @NigeriaGov and Governors can take: 1. Ensure that the protesters are protected and supported by the @PoliceNG and related agencies like the Civil Defense Corp to protest peacefully and orderly in presenting their demands and agitations to the authorities. Be guided by the terrible lessons of the mishandling of #EndSARSProtests. 2. Respond to the protesters with a convincing pathway and plan to achieve Good Governance on each specific issue they are protesting against or for at this time. I hope that our politicians and public officials will heed counsel and allow themselves the humility of listening and learning from their citizens at a time like this. I wish the protesters a well-organized, orderly and peaceful protest. ✍🏾✍🏾✍🏾

🗳️ The Power of Voting: A Global Call to Action 🗳️ Recently, I shared a post about protests in Portugal advocating for the right to housing. It got me thinking about a more universal truth: while protests raise awareness, the most effective way to bring about change in any democracy is through voting. No matter where you are—whether in the US, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere—if you live in a democracy, voting is your most powerful tool. I’ve heard the argument before: “My vote alone won’t make a difference.” That might be true on its own, but collective action does. Many "useless" individual votes, when combined, can move mountains. If none of the political parties represent your views, maybe it’s time to start a movement or support a new party that does. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t happen at all if we don’t engage. Remember: Protests can spark a conversation, but voting drives change. Your vote may seem small, but it’s part of a bigger movement that leads to progress. If the current choices don’t inspire you, it might be time to be the change. So wherever you are, let’s use our democratic rights to build a future we believe in. 🌍💪 How do you make sure your voice is heard in your democracy? I’d love to hear your insights. #Democracy #VotingMatters #CivicDuty #VoteForChange #GlobalPerspective