The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to cease the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s security agencies in silencing human rights defenders and civil society organizations. SERAP accused the government of “weaponizing” the Department of State Services (DSS) to target individuals and organizations, including through a defamation lawsuit filed against SERAP by two DSS officials.
In an open letter dated October 19, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP expressed concern that Tinubu’s administration is using the DSS and defamation laws as instruments of repression. The letter follows a recent invasion of SERAP’s Abuja office by DSS officials, which SERAP claims was in retaliation for its criticism of government policies, including allegations of corruption in the oil sector.
SERAP criticized the government for focusing on silencing critics instead of addressing pressing issues such as widespread corruption and Nigeria’s worsening economic situation. “Rather than addressing the allegations of widespread corruption in the oil sector and the worsening economic situation in the country, your government is targeting those who campaign for actions in these areas,” the letter reads.
The organization also reiterated its commitment to defending itself in court if the defamation lawsuit is not withdrawn, and emphasized its readiness to expose the misuse of security agencies in the process. SERAP stated, “We will be prepared to defend our organization and management staff in court, and to join your government and DSS in the lawsuit.”
SERAP pointed out that this is the first time a Nigerian government has used security agencies to target the organization since its inception in 2004. It described the legal action by DSS officials as part of a broader pattern of intimidation against human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors under the Tinubu administration.
The letter further called on the government to investigate allegations of corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including the handling of a $300 million bailout fund and a $6 billion debt owed to suppliers. SERAP also criticized the government for ignoring court rulings, including one mandating the disclosure of details regarding its agreement with social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
SERAP noted that the ongoing crackdown on human rights, particularly the freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, as well as socio-economic rights, violates Nigeria’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations. It urged Tinubu’s government to respect the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, including those critical of government actions.
The organization stressed that adherence to the rule of law is essential for good governance and the achievement of the government’s economic and development goals. Without it, SERAP argued, corruption would continue to thrive, undermining the administration’s commitments to Nigerians.
SERAP has previously been recognized for its work in defending human rights and fighting corruption, receiving numerous awards, including the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award. The organization concluded by reaffirming its non-partisan stance and its dedication to holding all governments accountable for their actions.
