Stop unjust Harassment intimidation, Suppression of Officials of NLC, CSOs, Coalitions Urges FG

From Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

SAHEL ReportersNews:  A Coalition of 67 civil society organisations have called on the Federal Government to stop the unjust harassment, intimidations and suppression of officials of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and other civil society organisations in the country.

The coalition made the remarks in a joint statement they signed and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to them they are disturbed by the 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 and suppression against Labour groups and vocal civil society organizations (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 fueled 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.

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

“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. ”

The coalition also asked for 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.

“Provide a prompt and unconditional apology to the President of the NLC for his unlawful arrest and harassment.The DSS should also extend an unqualified apology for this unjust and audacious assault.

“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.

“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. ”

The coalition also urged the Nigerian government to direct its agencies and departments to implement a human rights-centered approach when addressing dissent, particularly during protest.

They further asked that the unjust harassment of civic actors, such as Omoyele Sowore, along with members of the press, must cease immediately.

“No Nigerian should face intimidation or persecution for exercising their right to free expression, whether online or offline, simply because their views are not aligned with the government’s preferences.

“President Tinubu should initiate a dialogue involving civil society organizations, 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.”

They stressed that 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.

“Furthermore, we assert the necessity for the respect of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, and the principles of participatory governance.

” 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 organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and rights of the populace, and their work should be supported, not hindered.”

The statement was signed by 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative,

Accountability Lab, Nigeria, Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.

Others include 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 

Amnesty International Nigeria,

Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP),

BudgIT Foundation,

Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity,

Centre Democracy and Development (CDD),

Centre for Community, Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding - Kaduna,

Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT),

Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights,

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD),

Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID),

Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform,

Centre for Transparency Watch

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC),

CLEEN Foundation,

Community Life Project (CLP)

Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR),

Connected Development (CODE),

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Elixir Trust Foundation,

Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good, Governance and Accountability,

Environmental Rights Action,/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA),

Falana and Falana’s Chambers,

Global Rights,

Good Governance Team,

Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF),

Human and Environmental, Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre),

Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation

INVICTUS AFRICA,

Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre,

Lawyers Alert,

Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI),

Media Rights Agenda,

Mothers and Marginalized, Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre),

Nigeria Network of NGOs,

Open Society on Justice Reform Project,

Order Paper

Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN),

Partners West Africa

Policy Alert

Praxis

Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)

Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)

RULAAC - Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre

Say NO Campaign – Nigeria

Say No Campaign

Sesor Empowerment Foundation

Social Action

Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

State of the Union (SOTU)

Tax Justice and Governance Platform

Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)

West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)

Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)

Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)

Women in Mining, Nigeria

World Impact Development Foundation

Yiaga Africa

Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)