The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) has warned against what it described as “sponsored protests organised to condemn and berate fiery human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN,” while accusing the Nigerian military of backing the demonstrations.
The coalition, which comprises 130 civil society and community-based organisations, said such actions undermine democracy and fuel tyranny.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by Mallam Kudu Abubakar and Taiwo Adeleye, NHRC noted that its members were “appalled by the irresponsible conduct of certain individuals paid to undermine the historic contributions of Nigeria’s foremost human rights leader.”
According to the group, “a tattered, sponsored rally was organised in Abuja condemning Falana’s criticisms of the military. The protest was led by one Solomon Semaka who, by his actions, has written his name in the book of infamy.”
Protesters at the rally carried banners with inscriptions such as “Falana stop blackmailing Nigerian military” and “Falana enough is enough.”
NHRC condemned the protest, describing it as an attack on democracy itself.
The coalition said: “Criticism is the oil that lubricates the engine of democracy and no government that values human rights and free speech should ever make any attempt to scuttle dissent.”
It further stated: “This action of a few scavengers is ridiculous. It is an attack on free speech and a dangerous pattern that may promote counter measures from Nigerian masses who largely support the historic interventions of Mr. Falana in the affairs of bad governance in Nigeria spanning over four decades.”
The group praised Falana as “an asset to Nigeria” whose sacrifices helped secure the nation’s democracy. “To attempt to undermine his contributions to the development and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria is a very dangerous trend that all men and women of conscience must oppose with all strength and every sense of responsibility,” the statement read.
The NHRC also reminded critics that Falana has consistently defended the rights of Nigerians, including military personnel, from abuse and unjust treatment, saving many from death sentences imposed on them.
The group cautioned the military, suspected of bankrolling the rally, “to be careful not to provoke Nigerians from staging counter protests.”
