The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has raised alarm over the escalating assault on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom in Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Taking to its official X handle, SERAP expressed deep concern about what it called the “criminalization of peaceful expression,” warning that such actions would have a chilling effect, create a climate of fear, and dangerously shrink civic space in the country.
In its bold statement, SERAP called on the United Nations Special Procedures and global human rights experts to urgently visit Nigeria to investigate allegations of widespread violations of these fundamental freedoms. The group emphasized the need for international pressure to compel Nigerian authorities to respect their obligations under the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“The growing crackdown on dissent must STOP!” SERAP declared. “The criminalization of peaceful expression and assembly undermines Nigeria’s democratic fabric and erodes trust between the government and its citizens.”
SERAP’s appeal to the United Nations highlights the gravity of the situation, as the country faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of civic rights and media freedoms. By urging the international community to step in, the organization is raising the stakes, calling for global action to safeguard the rights of Nigerian citizens.
The group further warned that continued suppression of free speech would only deepen the climate of fear across the nation, stifling public discourse and placing democracy at risk. “Without the protection of these fundamental freedoms, Nigeria’s civic space will shrink beyond recognition, threatening the very foundation of democracy and human rights,” SERAP added.
As the Tinubu administration faces mounting criticism for its perceived heavy-handedness, SERAP’s call for an urgent UN investigation underscores the rising tension between the government and civil society. The world now watches closely, as Nigeria’s leaders are urged to reverse course and uphold the rights enshrined in both domestic and international law.
PIONEER NEWS 