Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS) has condemned the expulsion of all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Zamfara State as announced by the Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, DIG Mamman Tsafe (rtd), on February 14, 2023.
According to the statement that sacked the NGOs, the state government had observed massive influx of NGOs into the state “carrying out illegal activities that contravene the existing laws of government.”
Reacting to the development, about 20 NGOs, in a statement, yesterday, demanded a total reversal of the marching order, urging the authorities to investigate isolated cases of culpability and prosecute any organisation found wanting.
They stated: “The alleged illegal activities of NGOs fuelling insecurity in the state to justify the sacking of all NGOs in the state is unfounded, unjustifiable and plays right into the script of civil society repression that has characterised the current political dispensation.”
“It should be noted that there are legitimate NGOs that have contributed to the social and economic growth of Zamfara. An expanded interpretation of this announcement will include religious bodies operating in the state. The laws of Nigeria have made adequate provisions for the prosecution of individuals, organisations or groups engaged in illegal and criminal activities.”
AGFCS also urged Zamfara government to act in accordance with the provisions of the law and not use the back door to clamp down on civil society organisations (CSOs). It declared the clampdown a direct attack on the civic space.
They added: “We fear that security operatives may seize the opportunity to clamp down on CSOs advocating good governance, on the ground that they are engaging in illegal activities.
“The ban is a gross violation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to assemble freely and associate with other persons, in particular, form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of their interest.”
The NGOs that signed the statement include Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding, Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, Building Blocks for Peace Foundation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and Spaces for Change (S4C).
