An international organization focused on human rights, Global Rights, recently released a report on the administration of the former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the report titled “Shege! A scorecard on the Buhari administration’s impact on Nigeria’s civic space,” published on January 13, 2024, the organization expressed concerns about the alleged intimidation of journalists and protesters during Buhari’s eight-year term.
Global Rights highlighted a perceived decline in civic space and basic freedoms in Nigeria during Buhari’s administration.
The report pointed out a strained relationship with the media, a chilly rapport with civil society organizations, and efforts to control access to information, limit freedom of expression, and monitor citizens’ assembly purposes.
The organization also raised concerns about legislative attempts made by the administration, suggesting that if these attempts had become law, Nigeria might have faced significant restrictions, potentially emerging as one of the most repressive democracies globally.
According to the report, there were instances of violence against protesters, with at least 69 killed, and a significant number of arrests, detentions, or harassment of protesters (estimated at 250) and journalists (more than 189) during Buhari’s tenure.
Global Rights emphasized that these actions contributed to a notable deterioration in civic space.
In response to the report, the spokesperson for the former President, Garba Shehu, declined to comment, redirecting inquiries to the former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who could not be reached for a response.
Auwal Rafsanjani, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, commented on the report, highlighting the alleged unlawful arrests and detentions of journalists and civil society activists under Buhari’s leadership.
Rafsanjani also emphasized the reported atrocities against the Shiite community and expressed concerns about legal frameworks introduced by Buhari to restrict civil society. He urged President Bola Tinubu not to follow a similar path.
These findings and comments collectively shed light on the complex dynamics of Buhari’s administration, as presented in Global Rights’ comprehensive report on Nigeria’s civic space.
