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The Tinubu Administration’s Attack on Civic Space A Threat to Human Rights and Democracy CLOs Allege

The Tinubu Administration’s Attack on Civic Space A Threat to Human Rights and Democracy CLOs Allege

Princess-Ekwi Ajide

We, the undersigned civil society organizations, are deeply alarmed by the increasing use of Nigeria’s security agencies to harass and intimidate labor groups and vocal civil society organizations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This troubling trend raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, as dissenting voices are being systematically silenced.

Widespread corruption, reckless spending, and harmful policies have fueled public discontent, yet the government responds with repression rather than dialogue. We strongly condemn the ongoing efforts to stifle free speech, restrict civil society, and undermine democracy. These actions erode public trust and create an atmosphere of fear.

We urge the government to immediately stop these attacks and restore fundamental rights, including freedom of assembly, expression, and association. These are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy, and citizens should be free to voice their concerns without fear of persecution.

The unlawful arrest of Nigerian Labour Congress leader Comrade Joe Ajaero and the siege on the offices of SERAP are blatant violations of democratic principles. Additionally, the targeting of journalists and protesters, including minors, is deeply disturbing and unacceptable in any democracy.

We call on the government to:
1. End the harassment of NLC officials.
2. Issue an apology to Comrade Ajaero and SERAP.
3. Release all peaceful protesters, especially minors, and drop any treason charges.
4. Provide justice for those harmed during protests.
5. Respect press freedom and cease intimidation of journalists and activists.

The statement signed by 67 Civil Society Organisations said Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, not undermined as failure to do so risks turning “Africa’s Largest Democracy” into a dictatorship.

Signed
21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative

Accountability Lab, Nigeria

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

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

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)

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