Hamza Waziri, CEO of the Initiative for Liberalisation of Physically Challenged People in Nigeria, has allegedly that he was assaulted by police officers during a peaceful protest in Bauchi on Thursday.
Waziri said he was exercising his constitutional right to protest, recounted the harrowing experience and called for accountability.
Waziri described the incident as a blatant violation of his rights, saying, “Imagine a world where exercising your constitutional right to peaceful protest is met with violence and brutality.
“ This is the unfortunate reality that I personally faced today in broad daylight when I staged a peaceful protest in front of Bauchi State Government House.”
According to Waziri, the assault occurred near the Government House, with one of the officers identified as AS Shira leading the attack.
“Simply for standing up for my rights, basic human rights, I was assaulted by the police. The police, the very institution meant to protect and serve us citizens, responded with violence and cruelty, with no regard for decency,” he lamented.
Waziri highlighted the dire circumstances that drove him to protest, emphasizing the lack of opportunities and the pervasive discrimination against disabled individuals in Bauchi State.
“There are no jobs for us, no equal opportunities that the disability law in Nigeria mandates,” he stated.
“The worsening conditions for disabled persons and the government’s failure to implement the disability law prompted Waziri to take to the streets as a last resort.
“This horrible incident is directly in breach of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution that allows peaceful protest. This calls for our collective outrage and action, and we must demand accountability. It is a shame that this needs to be said but no one should face such violence for seeking justice,” Waziri asserted.
In response to the incident, the Bauchi State government expressed concern and pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Mukhtar Gidado Mohammed, the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity, reiterated the administration’s commitment to the welfare and rights of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
“We wish to categorically state that the Bauchi State government under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed does not condone any form of violence or misconduct by law enforcement officers attached to the Government House or any government personnel,” the statement read.
Mohammed assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the facts and that any officers found to have acted improperly would be held accountable.
“The state government remains committed to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights,” he added.
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