As the world marks the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concerns over the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
Observing International Human Rights Day 2024, themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” CAPPA joined the global community in reflecting on the fundamental role of human rights in fostering democracy, justice, and peace.
Free speech and the right to peaceful assembly are cornerstones of democracy, offering citizens a platform to challenge governance, advocate for accountability, and elevate marginalized voices.
However, CAPPA has highlighted a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where these rights are increasingly under siege.
In recent months, the organization documented cases of violent suppression of protests, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of journalists and activists.
These incidents, CAPPA asserted, undermine Nigeria’s constitutional commitments and its international human rights obligations.
In a statement issued by CAPPA’s Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, the group revealed that in August 2024, security agencies used excessive force to quell protests over rising living expenses and poor governance.
These crackdowns, CAPPA stated, resulted in 24 fatalities and the arrest of over 1,000 demonstrators.
CAPPA equally stated that in November 2024, 29 minors aged 14 to 17 were detained for participating in #EndBadGovernance protests.
Many young activists, the group added, were charged with treason in what CAPPA described as a disproportionate response aimed at stifling legitimate dissent.
“These incidents reflect a broader pattern of using anti-terrorism and cybercrime laws to intimidate civic actors and criminalize dissent,” it added.
CAPPA condemned the actions as a violation of citizens' fundamental rights and a betrayal of Nigeria’s democratic principles.
The organization called on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to reverse what it termed ‘this worrying trend’.
It tasked the FGN to release all activists and protesters currently in custody and drop frivolous charges against them.
CAPPA also called on the FGN to investigate and address abuses, including excessive force, by security agencies.
Urging the Nigerian government to allow civil society organizations and activists to operate without intimidation or undue restrictions, the organization emphasized that respecting the right to protest and safeguarding freedom of expression are essential for Nigeria’s sustainable development and long-term peace.
CAPPA urged the government to recommit to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
“Failing to address these human rights abuses”, it warned, risks further eroding trust between the government and its citizens and stalling the nation’s progress toward sustainable peace and development.
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