51 CSOs demand release of activists

Fifty-one notable civil society organisations (CSOs) have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all activists who are in detention for exercising their fundamental rights.

The CSOs in a jointly signed statement yesterday in Abuja accused the present administration of misuse of power against the citizens for a non-violent protest, demonstration to express their views.

According to them, since the return of democracy in 1999 and particularly following the 2019 general elections, citizens were hopefully of renewed vigour in addressing the myriad of problems bedevilling the country ranging from intensification of insecurity, the deepening of corruption, growing poverty and unemployment as well as flagrant and frequent disrespect of the rule of law. They said Nigerians believed that the Administration which received the mandate of Nigerians for another fouryear term would reciprocate the people’s goodwill and trust; and commit itself to expand the civic space and facilitating citizen’s engagement in an expanding democratic space.

“We have observed with great concern and indeed, alarm, massive violation of the rights of citizens, including the right to protest, concerted attacks of media organisations, press freedom and civil society organisations,” they said.

They listed media harassment and intimidation; harassment of Human Rights and Anti-Corruption CSOs and unlawful ban on protest as the hallmark of the present administration.

Some of the organisations include Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Falana Falana Chambers, CLEEN Foundation.