Daud Olatunji
A coalition of civil society organizations has raised the alarm over what they describe as an escalating campaign of intimidation, harassment, and repression under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The groups expressed grave concern over the use of Nigeria’s security agencies to target labour unions and vocal civil society organizations, warning that these actions signal a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and human rights in the country.
In a joint statement, the undersigned civil society organizations condemned the government’s recent moves, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of deploying state security apparatuses to silence dissent and stifle any voices of opposition.
The groups, which include prominent organizations such as the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), described the situation as a “deliberate strategy” to suppress growing public discontent and criticism of the government’s policies.
“The rate at which the government is resorting to the use of Nigeria’s security agencies as tools of harassment and suppression is alarming.
These actions raise serious concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of Nigerians, the government appears intent on silencing those who dare to challenge the status quo.”
The tipping point, the groups argue, came on September 9, 2024, when agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), in a shocking move widely seen as an attempt to quash labour dissent.
On the same day, DSS operatives stormed the offices of SERAP, a civil society group advocating for social and economic justice, further heightening fears of an orchestrated crackdown on voices calling for accountability and reform.
These developments, according to the coalition, mirror the oppressive tactics reminiscent of Nigeria’s military era, where dissenters were silenced through force and fear.
The arrest of the NLC leader and the siege on SERAP’s offices were described as crossing a dangerous threshold for a nation that prides itself on democratic values.
“The unlawful arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the attack on SERAP are clear signs of a government that is no longer willing to tolerate any form of opposition,” the statement continued.
“These actions represent a blatant disregard for constitutional rights and send a chilling message to all Nigerians: dissent will not be tolerated.”
The civil society groups highlighted a pattern of repression under the Tinubu administration, citing numerous instances where journalists, activists, and protesters were targeted simply for exercising their rights to free expression and assembly.
Reports of journalists being abducted, harassed, and detained for holding the government accountable have surged in recent months, further undermining press freedom and the right to criticize the government.
The response to peaceful protests, particularly those organized to demand an end to bad governance and worsening economic conditions, has been particularly brutal.
In August 2024, over 1,000 protesters were unlawfully detained, and at least 30 people lost their lives due to the heavy-handed tactics employed by the police during these demonstrations.
Many of the detained individuals were minors aged between 14 and 17, facing treason charges for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
“The government’s approach to handling dissent is deeply troubling. Peaceful protesters have been met with tear gas, unlawful detentions, and even death,” the coalition noted.
“The arrest of minors and the charges of treason against them are particularly concerning, as these young Nigerians were merely advocating for a better future.”
The coalition of civil society groups has called on President Tinubu to immediately halt the repression of labour unions, civil society organizations, and other dissenting voices.
They urged the government to adopt a human rights-centered approach to governance, ensuring that the constitutionally protected rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and association are upheld.
“We demand an immediate cessation of the government’s unjust harassment of the NLC and a formal apology to its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The government must also release all peaceful protesters detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests, particularly the minors, and drop all treason charges against them,” the statement said.
The coalition called for an inclusive dialogue between the government and civil society, warning that failure to address these concerns would further alienate the public and harm Nigeria’s reputation as a democracy.
“The Tinubu administration must realize that suppressing dissent only deepens the country’s challenges. Dialogue, not force, is the key to resolving the socio-economic and political crises facing Nigeria,” the groups urged.
The civil society organizations also cautioned that continued repression would tarnish Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
They noted that the country’s status as “Africa’s Largest Democracy” is now in jeopardy, as the government’s actions increasingly resemble those of authoritarian regimes.
“The international community is watching, and if these oppressive measures persist, Nigeria will be seen as a dictatorship in disguise.
The democratic gains made since 1999 are being rapidly eroded, and this government must take immediate steps to restore public confidence and adhere to the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution,” they warned.
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