WHY EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT BE PENALIZED FOR JOINING NATIONAL PROTEST IN NIGERIA
In the vibrant and evolving socio-political landscape of Nigeria, national protests are a powerful expression of the populace's democratic rights. These movements often address critical issues ranging from governance to economic policies, reflecting the collective will and concerns of the citizens. Amidst such significant civic engagements, a pressing question arises for Human Resources (HR) professionals: Should employees be penalized for participating in national protests? Here, we explore why penalizing employees for exercising their right to protest is not only unjust but also counterproductive for organizations. 1. Right to Freedom of Expression and Assembly The Nigerian Constitution, in Section 39 and Section 40, guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly and association. These rights are fundamental and form the bedrock of a democratic society. Penalizing employees for joining national protests infringes on these constitu