Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group should be allowed to air its grievances without being harassed by the police.
Soyinka
made the comment after Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris on
Wednesday, September 7, termed the group a threat to security.
The Nobel Laureate made the comments at a symposium in Lagos State, Punch reports.
“I
saw a report in a national daily that demonstrations on behalf of the
Chibok girls pose a threat to national security and I thought, not
again. My mind flew back immediately to another governor under whose
democratic leadership, parents were tear-gassed for demonstrating
peacefully about losing their children in a plane crash in Port
Harcourt,” Soyinka said.
“Democracy is not
just about campaigning. It is exercising human rights. It is about
helping to build the society. Demonstrations cannot be too much as long
as those girls are missing. Demonstrations are an act of solidarity.
Wherever they are today, when their mothers demonstrate on their behalf,
their morale is raised.
“That is my
message to security operatives who get scared of those who are agitating
for a cause and fire tear gas at them. They must be treated with utmost
respect and must be given their space. It is an act of solidarity for
the children. Otherwise, when you stop these demonstrations, you are
saying forget about the children.
“We
have important things like reviving the economy, and fighting
corruption, among others, to worry about. Yes, those things are
important but ultimately, the society is for humanity and when one of us
is hurt, we must allow ourselves to protest.
“I
hope we don’t get the negative effects when they bring back our girls.
And when we talk about democracy to our children, it is to teach them
their rights. Therefore, there has to be greater coherence from the
government and its agencies.
“We don’t
have to know one single individual among the girls. We should
demonstrate democratic responsibility. Let us continue to recognize
solidarity with these girls and one day, they will come back or we will
get to know what has become of them,” he added.
Meanwhile, the leader of the movement, Obiageli Ezekwesili has said that the group will not give up its struggle until the abducted Chibok girls are rescued.
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