No fewer than 71 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have signed a joint statement condemning what they describe as the Bola Tinubu administration’s escalating assault on journalists and the civic space.

The statement, published on Friday, condemned how the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the presidency oversaw the abduction of journalists from their homes and the subsequent poor treatment. It also included seven demands.

“One of the most alarming developments under the Tinubu administration is the alarming frequency with which journalists are being targeted. Reports indicate that these individuals are being abducted from their homes and subjected to various forms of harassment on an almost daily basis,” the statement read in part.

The CSOs named as signatories include the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), BudgIT Foundation, Invictus Africa, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

They demanded that the government end the trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters and withdraw all treason charges filed against them.

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These CSOs also asked that the government stop harassing Joe Ajaero, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president, and Omoyele Sowore, Sahara Reporters’ publisher.

FULL STATEMENT:

The undersigned civil society organisations are seriously disturbed by the alarming and troubling rate with which the ruling All-Progressive Congress (APC) government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resorted to utilising Nigeria’s security agencies as instruments of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against Labour groups and vocal civil society organisations (CSOs).

This troubling trend raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, as it appears to be a deliberate strategy aimed at stifling dissent and curtailing the voices of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The actions of the government in this regard seem to be a calculated response to the growing discontent among the populace, which has been fuelled by widespread corruption, extravagant spending by those in power, and the implementation of policies that are increasingly detrimental to the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.

These policies have not only exacerbated the existing socio-economic challenges but have also contributed to a climate of fear and repression, where legitimate grievances are met with force rather than dialogue.

DISSENT

Therefore, we condemn in strong terms possible the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to suppress dissent among citizens, restrict civil society, and undermine Nigeria’s civic environment.

The actions taken by the government in recent weeks have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in our nation. It is alarming to witness the increasing measures aimed at stifling voices that challenge the status quo, as well as the systematic targeting of organisations and individuals who advocate for transparency, accountability, and social justice.

We urge. the prompt rectification of the numerous errors made in the past months, which have not only eroded public trust but have also created an atmosphere of fear and repression. It is imperative that the government acknowledges these missteps and takes immediate action to restore the rights and freedoms that are the cornerstone of a democratic society. This includes the retraction of any policies or actions that unjustly limit the ability of citizens to express their opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their government.

HUMAN RIGHTS

These rights are not merely privileges; they are fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. Citizens must be allowed to gather, protest, and voice their concerns without fear of retribution. Civil society organisations play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and rights of the populace, and their work should be supported, not hindered.

Prior to September 9, 2024, analysts observing Nigeria’s civic environment would have rated the Bola Tinubu administration poorly regarding its efforts to safeguard and enhance press freedom, the right to associate, peaceful assembly, and self-expression.

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However, the events of September 9, 2024, marked a significant deterioration to an already bad situation for an administration that has increasingly demonstrated its willingness to suppress dissenting voices.

In a manner reminiscent of Nigeria’s oppressive military regime, the Nigerian Government deployed agents from the Department of State Services to unlawfully arrest the leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero. Before we could fully comprehend the ramifications of this incident, we learned that agents from the same agency had also besieged the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organisation working to advance the social, economic, and cultural rights of the Nigerian populace.

The Tinubu administration, which took office on May 29, 2023, has been marked by a troubling pattern of neglect towards the concerns and aspirations of large segments of the Nigerian population. This administration appears to be following a path similar to that of its predecessor, the Buhari administration, which was widely criticised for its failure to safeguard the civic space and uphold democratic principles. The current government seems intent on not only maintaining but potentially exacerbating the shortcomings of the Buhari regime, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

HARASSMENT OF JOURNALISTS

One of the most alarming developments under the Tinubu administration is the alarming frequency with which journalists are being targeted.

Reports indicate that these individuals are being abducted from their homes and subjected to various forms of harassment on an almost daily basis. This systematic targeting occurs merely because they are exercising their constitutional duty to hold the government accountable to the citizens. Such actions not only undermine press freedom but also create a climate of fear that stifles dissent and discourages critical reporting on government actions.

The situation escalated dramatically when Nigerians took to the streets last month to peacefully protest against the worsening economic conditions and escalating insecurity in the country. Instead of engaging with the citizens and addressing their grievances, the Nigerian Police responded with excessive force. The deployment of tear gas and the unlawful detention of over 1,000 individuals during these protests exemplifies a troubling disregard for the right to peaceful assembly. Tragically, this brutal response resulted in at least 30 fatalities, highlighting the severe consequences of the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.

MINORS

Moreover, the crackdown on dissent has extended to the arrest of minors, with several individuals aged between 14 and 17 facing treason charges. These young protesters, who were merely advocating for an end to bad governance under the #EndBadGovernance movement, are now entangled in a legal battle that could have devastating implications for their futures. This situation raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens, particularly the youth, who are often the most vulnerable in times of political unrest.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2024, a significant new low was reached. The arrest of the NLC President and the almost simultaneous siege on the offices of SERAP, represents a threshold that should never be crossed in any nation that claims to uphold democratic principles. Democracy serves as a mechanism for participatory governance, functioning optimally when dissenters are permitted to lawfully contest the authorities in an environment where their rights are protected. This aligns with our Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, and express their views. Furthermore, the Constitution explicitly assigns the press the duty of ensuring government accountability.

It may be beneficial for the Tinubu administration to revisit the fundamental principles of democracy. A comprehensive review of these principles can provide a solid foundation for governance that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the citizens of Nigeria. In this context, we recommend that the administration thoroughly examine the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens. This examination should not only focus on the constitutional provisions but also consider the historical and social contexts in which the Constitution was drafted and adopted.

Additionally, the administration should take into account the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified. This charter emphasises the importance of human rights, democracy, and good governance across the continent. By aligning its policies and practices with the principles enshrined in both the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter, the Tinubu administration can foster a political environment that respects individual freedoms, promotes social justice, and encourages active citizen participation in the democratic process.

7 DEMANDS

In the light of recent events, the organisations strongly called on the government and its security agencies to take the following actions:

1. Immediately halt the unjust and illegal harassment of officials of the NLC.

2. Provide a prompt and unconditional apology to the President of the NLC for his unlawful arrest and harassment.

3. The DSS should also extend an unqualified apology for this unjust and audacious assault.

4. Promptly release all peaceful demonstrators who were detained during the #EndBadGovernance protest, particularly ensuring the unconditional release of minors. Additionally, the treason charges against these individuals should be dropped immediately.

5. The Nigerian government must direct its agencies and departments to implement a human rights-centered approach when addressing dissent, particularly during protests. A fundamental principle of the democratic framework we claim to uphold is the allowance of dissenting opinions.

6. The callous and unwarranted harassment of civic actors like Omoyele Sowore should end. Nigerians should not be harassed because they choose to exercise their right to freedom of expression in a manner that the government finds unpalatable.

7. President Tinubu should initiate a dialogue involving civil society organisations, media representatives, and professional groups in Nigeria.

We caution that neglecting the responsibilities will only exacerbate the struggles of Nigerians, who are already burdened by a severely mismanaged economy. It conveys to the international community that residing in “Africa’s Largest Democracy” is akin to existence under a dictatorship. It is the Government’s guaranteed ticket to both national and international embarrassment.

The period characterised by the oppressive measures of dictatorship ended in 1999. Such an era is not endorsed by Nigeria’s constitution and fails to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian populace, thereby lacking legitimacy.