A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has urged the Nigerian government to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). The lawsuit, initiated by the State Security Services (SSS), claims SERAP falsely accused its operatives of invading its Abuja office. The CSOs argue that this legal action is part of a broader pattern of harassment against human rights defenders and civil society actors in Nigeria.
Key Takeaways
- A coalition of nine CSOs, including Amnesty International, has called for the withdrawal of a N5.5 billion libel case against SERAP.
- The lawsuit stems from allegations that SERAP made false claims about an SSS invasion of its office.
- The CSOs emphasize that the government’s actions violate Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
Background of the Case
In October, the SSS filed a N5.5 billion defamation suit against SERAP, claiming that the organization made false accusations regarding an alleged invasion of its office. This legal action has raised concerns among various human rights organizations, which view it as an attempt to stifle dissent and intimidate civil society.
The coalition of CSOs, which includes notable organizations such as Accountability Lab, BudgIT, and the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), issued a statement condemning the government’s actions. They argue that the ongoing crackdown on human rights defenders and activists undermines access to justice for victims of human rights violations.
Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
The CSOs expressed alarm over what they describe as a growing trend of repression under the current administration. They highlighted several incidents that illustrate the government’s hostility towards civil society, including:
- The invasion of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) office by armed security personnel.
- The arbitrary arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by the SSS.
- Reports of police violence against peaceful protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
These incidents, the coalition argues, contribute to a culture of impunity and intimidation that threatens the fundamental rights of citizens and civil society organizations.
Call to Action
The coalition has called on the Nigerian government to:
- Immediately withdraw the libel case against SERAP.
- End the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and civil society actors.
- Uphold its constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The CSOs warn that the continued targeting of civil society organizations will have a chilling effect on the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria. They emphasize the need for a conducive environment where civil society can operate freely without fear of reprisals.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the coalition of CSOs remains vigilant in advocating for the rights of Nigerians and the protection of civil society. They stress that the government’s actions not only harm individual organizations but also undermine the broader struggle for human rights and accountability in Nigeria. The call for the withdrawal of the libel case against SERAP is a crucial step in reversing the dangerous trends of repression and impunity in the country.
Sources
- Amnesty International, CJID, seven other groups ask Nigerian govt to withdraw libel case against SERAP, Premium Times Nigeria.
