Two Abuja-based civil society organizations and concerned Nigerians, in conjunction with over 40 civil society groups nationwide, announced on Monday a plan to lead a solidarity visit to the Abuja offices of Amnesty International Nigeria (AI) on Wednesday to demonstrate support of their activities.
According to a statement signed by Jude Ndukwe, the convener of MANTRA, and Ariyo-Dare Atoye, co-convener of CDNDC, the groups said the visit has become necessary following last week’s protests against AI and what they called “the wicked siege laid against its office for days as sponsored by fifth columnists.”
“We can no longer sit by and watch while paid protesters attempt to rubbish the correct reports and good works of AI on the appalling human rights record of this administration thereby promoting and defending such records in the process,” they said.
The statement noted that the protests against AI have earned Nigeria a bad reputation globally, adding that AI’s activities have in no small way helped to put the excesses and arbitrariness of state agents in check as is done in developed democracies all over the world.
“The participation [in Wednesday’s event] of men and women of goodwill from all over the country in this solidarity rally would be highly appreciated,” the groups said. “Together, we can rescue our nation!”
The solidarity visit will commence at the Unity Fountain, opposite Transcorp Hilton Hotel, at 9 a.m.
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