67 CSOs condemn attack on civic space, activists

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to halt the increasing attacks on civic space and democracy.

In a joint statement, they expressed concerns over intimidation, repression, and arrests of civil society leaders, protesters, and journalists, while seeking an apology for president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for his arrest and harassment, among other requests.

The CSOs, numbering 67, which included Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative Accountability Lab, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), Amnesty International Nigeria, Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP), BudgIT Foundation and SERAP, urged the Federal Government to rectify past errors, address public trust issues, and protect democratic principles.

The coalition said they are disturbed by the troubling rate with which the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has resorted to utilising Nigeria’s security agencies as instruments of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against labour groups and vocal CSOs.

According to them, this troubling trend raises 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.

“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.”

Furthermore, the group is requesting for prompt release of all peaceful demonstrators who were detained during the #EndBadGovernance protest, particularly ensuring the unconditional release of minors and that the treason charges against these individuals be dropped immediately and that government to take immediate steps to provide appropriate remedies for innocent individuals who suffered harm during the protests. This includes compensating families of those who were killed, offering adequate support to those who were injured, and ensuring restitution for those whose properties were destroyed.