1. “Peace Must Come Before Protest” — Faith Leaders Back Edo Government’s Firm Response.
Excerpt / Comment:
“No cause justifies endangering innocent lives. Authority exists to prevent chaos before it consumes the community,” a senior CAN cleric said. A Muslim scholar added that Islam condemns disorder that harms society.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 14(2)(b) – “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Section 45(1) – Permits restriction of rights in the interest of public order and safety.
2. “Rights Do Not Excuse Disorder” — Security Analysts Say Arrests Prevented Wider Violence.
Excerpt / Comment:
“Early intervention is how states prevent protests from degenerating into riots,” a security analyst noted.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 215(3) – Police duty to maintain public order and safety.
Section 33(1) – Protection of the right to life, which the state must safeguard.
3. “No Democracy Survives Anarchy” — Civil Society Groups Urge Calm, Due Process.
Excerpt / Comment:
“Democracy is protected by law, not mob action. Courts, not crowds, determine justice,” a civic coalition said.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 6 – Judicial powers vested in the courts.
Section 36(1) – Right to fair hearing through due process.
4. “Students Are Not Above the Law” — Education Stakeholders Call for Focus on Learning.
Excerpt / Comment:
“When protests become violent, students lose moral authority and expose themselves to the law,” a student leader said.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 42 – Equality before the law; no class enjoys immunity.
Section 24(b) – Duty of citizens to help preserve public order.
5. “Security Is a Collective Responsibility” — Defence Authorities Defend Edo’s Action.
Excerpt / Comment:
“The police acted within constitutional limits to protect lives and property,” a defence official said.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 214(2)(b) – Establishes the Nigeria Police Force for public safety.
Section 45(1)(a) – Allows lawful limitation of assembly rights for public order.
6. “Strong States Act Early” — National Patriots Say Firm Response Prevented Escalation.
Excerpt / Comment:
“Hesitation fuels instability. Timely action saved Ekpoma from wider unrest,” the National Patriots’ president said.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 5(2) – Executive powers of a state to maintain order and security.
Section 14(2)(b) – Security of the people as government’s primary purpose.
7. “Order Is the First Duty of Leadership” — African Voices Stress Stability Over Street Politics.
Excerpt / Comment:
“Peace is not anti-democratic; it is the foundation of democracy,” a Pan-African governance expert observed.
Constitutional Basis:
Section 15(5) – Obligation of the state to abolish corrupt and disruptive practices.
Section 45 – Balancing rights with public interest and stability.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR.
Headlinenews.news.
