Tinubu Administration Suppressing Civic Space –CSOs

Over 60 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to stop utilising Nigeria’s security agencies as instruments of harassment, intimidation and suppression against labour groups.

In a statement issued by their leader, Awwal Musa Rafsanjani, the CSOs said the 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,” the CSOs said.

The CSOs call on the government and its security agencies to immediately halt the unjust and illegal harassment of officials of the NLC.

They also asked that a prompt and unconditional apology be issued 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.

“The government should 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 CSOs said.

They called on the Nigerian government to 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.

“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 characterized 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,” they added.