Francis Iwuchukwu
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to end the alleged use of security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to suppress citizens exercising their human rights.
The organization demanded that the DSS withdraw a defamation lawsuit filed by its agents against SERAP.
The defamation suit, initiated last week by two DSS officials, came after SERAP accused DSS operatives of a recent raid on its Abuja office.
The organization believes the lawsuit is an attempt to suppress dissent and prevent criticism of government actions.
In an open letter dated October 19, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group expressed concern over what it described as the “weaponization” of the DSS to target human rights defenders.
“We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponizing the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression,” the letter reads.
SERAP criticized the government for focusing on silencing critics instead of addressing key issues, such as corruption in the oil sector and Nigeria's economic struggles.
The organization called on the Tinubu administration to investigate these concerns instead of using security agencies to intimidate those raising them.
SERAP warned that it is prepared to defend itself and its staff in court if the defamation lawsuit is not withdrawn.
The organization emphasized its willingness to call witnesses to ensure accountability and bring attention to the actions of the DSS.
The letter highlighted SERAP's history of pursuing public interest cases against past Nigerian administrations since 2004.
It stressed that this is the first time a government has allegedly used security forces to target the organization directly.
SERAP emphasized the need for human rights defenders, journalists, and activists to operate freely without facing baseless legal actions, stating that such intimidation undermines democracy and erodes the rule of law.
The group also criticized the administration for failing to address its recommendations, including reversing the recent fuel price hike and investigating corruption allegations within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
SERAP accused the government of disregarding court rulings that require greater transparency and accountability.
SERAP urged President Tinubu to end all forms of intimidation against its organization and other civil society actors.
The letter concluded with a call for the government to respect the rule of law, which the group sees as critical for achieving Nigeria's economic and development goals.
The organization reiterated its dedication to holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency.
SERAP emphasized that its work is based on principles of justice and human rights advocacy, adding that no government should be exempt from scrutiny.
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