Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have expressed alarm over the ongoing threats, harassment, and intimidation faced by Amnesty International (AI-Nigeria) from the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement released on Wednesday, 67 CSOs called on the Nigerian government to address the escalating crackdown on Human Rights activists, journalists, and citizens peacefully exercising their rights. This follows a letter from the police, dated 6th January 2025, threatening legal action against the organisation for its report on the violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. Amnesty International’s findings highlighted police violence, including the deaths of protesters and arrests of hundreds of individuals.
The CSOs further noted that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confirmed the police’s role in the deaths of 27 protesters, while legal experts such as Femi Falana, SAN, reported more fatalities and arrests. Instead of investigating these abuses, the police are reportedly focusing on intimidating Amnesty International, which undermines efforts to address human rights violations in the country. The CSOs emphasised the detrimental effect this climate of fear has on activists and journalists, restricting their ability to engage in human rights work without fear of retaliation.
Tinubu pressed to end crackdown on civil society groups.
Additionally, the groups pointed out that this situation is part of a broader pattern of repression in Nigeria, citing the harassment of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and other Civil Society organisations. This crackdown, they argue, represents a significant threat to the country’s civic space, limiting the scope for peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and the exercise of fundamental rights. The CSOs’ call for a halt to these repressive actions echoes the need for a secure environment where citizens can freely advocate for their rights and hold those in power accountable.
In response, the CSOs have urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take immediate action, directing the Nigeria Police Force to cease its intimidation of Amnesty International and ensure that human rights defenders can operate without fear of reprisals. They also demand a thorough, independent investigation into the police’s conduct during the #EndBadGovernance protests and that those responsible for abuses be held accountable. In their plea for justice, the CSOs reiterated the importance of upholding Nigeria’s international commitments to human rights, urging the government to respect and protect the rights of all citizens.
Broader protections essential for human rights in Nigeria.
This situation highlights a concerning trend in Nigeria, where civic freedoms are increasingly under threat. This rising repression is not only detrimental to the functioning of civil society but also poses a grave danger to the democratic process itself. It is vital that the government addresses the immediate concerns raised by the CSOs while also enacting broader reforms that safeguard the rights of human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary citizens. The government’s response to these demands will set a precedent for the future protection of civil liberties in the country. Such efforts should focus on ensuring accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, with an emphasis on creating a legal framework that genuinely protects these rights.
As pressure mounts on the government, there is a growing concern that the clampdown on civil society could extend beyond Amnesty International, affecting a wide range of organisations working on issues like Poverty alleviation, corruption, and climate justice. This would stifle the critical work being done to address pressing national challenges, further deepening societal divides. In the context of global calls for stronger protection of human rights defenders, Nigeria must decide whether it will uphold its international obligations or continue to ignore them, thereby isolating itself from the global community. Failure to do so will not only hinder Nigeria’s progress but also tarnish its reputation as a democratic state. The stakes are high, and the world is watching closely to see if Nigeria will rise to meet its responsibilities or succumb to further authoritarianism.
Related Article: CSO function in the Nigerian government
Ultimately, the Nigerian government must prioritise dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and human rights groups to address growing concerns over human rights violations. Continued harassment of these groups risks eroding public trust and undermining the country’s democratic institutions. A government that disregards its people’s rights weakens its own foundation. For Nigeria to move forward, it must commit to protecting human rights and freedom of expression, ensuring accountability and the Rule of Law for all citizens. Only then can the country foster a secure environment where voices can be heard without fear.