Strike: Blocking Lagos-Ibadan Expressway illegal, FG tells NANS
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said protesting students who blocked a busy section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were “violating” the law.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said this while briefing State House correspondents shortly after this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.
Fashola noted that the Nigerian constitution recognises and protects the citizens’ right to public protests but does not empower any Nigerian to “inflict pain and inconvenience on other people.”
The PUNCH reported that a protest staged by members of the National Association of Nigerian Students on Tuesday led to a gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, leaving motorists and passengers stranded.
The protest took place just after the Sagamu Interchange section of the expressway, towards Lagos.
Students were seen raising placards and chanting solidarity songs as they lamented the now seven-month old strike of the Academic Staff Union of Universities.
They laid siege to the major highway and others to drive home their demand to end the strike.
But, fielding a question on the recurrent gridlock on the uncompleted sections of the highway, Fashola appealed for more patience from Nigerians, saying that there was no alternative route in the already built-up areas.
He said, “Once again, I apologise and empathise with commuters who need that place to get on with their lives. It’s the place we left to be the last, really, because it’s the most built-up area, the last six kilometers into Lagos; very densely populated and occupied. There’s very little room for alternative routes for people. So, you just have to bear with us.
“I also heard that some aggrieved students under the aegis of NANS are going to the road to protest. My respectful view is that it is not helpful at all to the citizens.
“The right to protest is very well-protected in our Constitution, but it does not include the right to inflict pain and inconvenience on other people. And so, whilst the protests can go on, they should refrain from blocking the road in order to do their protests. That in itself is a violation of the law.”
Related Article: ASUU Strike: FG To Review University Autonomy Laws, Says Osinbajo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why did the Federal Government say blocking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is illegal?
The Federal Government stated that blocking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is unlawful because it obstructs the free movement of people and goods, poses security and safety risks, and infringes on the rights of other road users. While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, demonstrations are expected to comply with the law and should not disrupt public order.
Why was NANS planning to block the expressway?
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) announced plans for the protest to draw attention to issues affecting Nigerian students, including prolonged industrial actions in tertiary institutions and concerns over access to quality education. The planned road blockade was intended to pressure relevant authorities to address these issues.
Can students legally protest in Nigeria?
Yes. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. However, protests must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law. Actions that endanger public safety, damage property, or unlawfully obstruct major highways may attract legal consequences.
What are the possible consequences of blocking a major highway during a protest?
Blocking a major highway can lead to traffic gridlock, delays in emergency services, economic losses, security concerns, and possible intervention by law enforcement agencies. Organizers and participants may also face legal action if their activities violate existing laws or public safety regulations.
How can students advocate for their demands without violating the law?
Students can engage in peaceful demonstrations at designated locations, submit petitions to relevant government agencies, hold dialogue with stakeholders, organize awareness campaigns, and work through recognized student leadership structures. These approaches help amplify their concerns while respecting the rights and safety of the public.
