Many Nigerians were angry (justifiably so) when President Goodluck Jonathan deployed soldiers to disperse peaceful protesters across the country. The right to organise peaceful protests was violated by a civilian government; many called it a breach of constitutional rights, with emphasis on the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression.
This violation and highhandedness must be thoroughly condemned, however, while condemning the government; honestly ask yourself the following questions-
- Do you in any way encourage the breach of the rights of others?
- Do you advocate for the violation of the rights of fellow Nigerians because you oppose the subject of their protest?
- Do you oppress other Nigerians simply because you are in a position of power and the game of numbers favours you?
- Do you encourage the censorship of other Nigerians whose views go against your religious, cultural or personal views?
- Do you threaten the right of minorities to organise legitimate protests because you are part of a powerful majority who disagrees with the non harmful lifestyle of a minority?
It is said that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. I am aghast at the sheer volume of violent comments and threatening messages that advocates of LGBT rights receive daily. [Read more…]