The Nigerian government’s recent actions against those planning a peaceful protest and activists represent a grave assault on the fundamental rights of its citizens and a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy in the country. The Department of State Services (DSS) recently allegedly arrested several activists merely for their involvement in a planned protest against bad governance, scheduled to commence on August 1. These arrests mark a disturbing trend of authoritarianism and intolerance towards dissent.
Bashir Abubakar, one such activist, was reportedly arrested for the simple act of advertising T-shirts he made for the upcoming protest. This absurdity of arresting an individual for expressing their right to free speech through merchandise is not just an overreach of power; it is a blatant violation of human rights. The government’s draconian measures to stifle dissent extend beyond Abubakar. Another activist, according to Omoyele Sowore, has been remanded at a correctional facility in Kano State for merely posting about the protest. These actions are nothing short of a preemptive strike against the voices calling for accountability and reform.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to issue a warning against staging protests against the federal government. In his lengthy tweet, Onanuga’s rhetoric unmistakably conveyed a message of intimidation and repression. Such declarations from a senior government official are not only irresponsible but also dangerous, as they threaten to erode the very principles of democracy that Nigeria claims to uphold.
It is a dark irony that a government, which ought to protect the rights of its citizens, is instead actively engaged in suppressing them. The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, as well as in numerous international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a party. These rights are non-negotiable and sacrosanct, forming the bedrock of any democratic society. When a government resorts to arresting its citizens for exercising these rights, it reveals an alarming disdain for democracy and an inclination towards authoritarianism.
The Nigerian government’s actions are not only an affront to its citizens but also a blight on its international reputation. As a nation striving to be recognized as a beacon of democracy and development in Africa, Nigeria cannot afford to trample on the rights of its people. The international community must not remain silent in the face of such egregious violations. It is incumbent upon global leaders, human rights organizations, and advocates of democracy to condemn these actions unequivocally and to stand in solidarity with the brave Nigerians who dare to demand better governance.
Moreover, the Nigerian government must be reminded that suppression and intimidation are never sustainable solutions to dissent. The voices of the people, no matter how forcefully silenced, will always find a way to be heard. Instead of clamping down on protesters, the government should engage with them, listen to their grievances, and work towards addressing the systemic issues plaguing the nation.
In conclusion, the recent arrests of activists in Nigeria are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for true democracy and human rights in the country. The government’s actions are a reprehensible breach of its citizens’ rights and a dangerous step towards authoritarian rule. It is imperative that these actions are met with strong condemnation and that the rights of Nigerians to peaceful protest and free expression are fiercely defended. Only through respect for these fundamental rights can Nigeria hope to build a just, equitable, and truly democratic society.
