Nigeria Faces Scrutiny Amidst Human Rights Concerns

By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja

The inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s president was met with cautious optimism. Known for his long-standing commitment to democracy during Nigeria’s military era, Tinubu’s promises of economic revitalization, youth empowerment, and legal reforms seemed to signal a new chapter for the country.However, beneath this promising exterior, longstanding issues remain unresolved.

Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has struggled with corruption, human rights violations, and economic difficulties for decades. The #EndSARS protests of 2020 revealed widespread discontent, particularly among the youth, over police brutality and systemic failures. Despite some changes following the protests, many core issues persist.

As Tinubu assumed office, the public closely watched to see if his administration would bring meaningful change or simply continue previous practices. Early signs raised concerns.

Crackdown on Critics

Tinubu’s administration has faced criticism for its treatment of critics. Notable figures, such as former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, were arrested on charges perceived as politically motivated. Abdulrasheed Bawa, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was also detained under questionable circumstances. Additionally, Senator Konbowei Benson’s arrest for alleged forgery highlighted systemic inefficiencies, while Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), faced serious charges including terrorism and treason for his criticism of government policies.

Press Freedom Under Threat

Journalists in Nigeria have encountered increasing dangers. The amended Cybercrime Act has been used to detain at least eight journalists, with reports from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development documenting 37 press freedom violations since Tinubu took office. Two notable cases include Segun Olatunji, who was abducted and detained under harsh conditions, and Daniel Ojukwu, whose nine-day detention was justified under the controversial Cybercrimes Act.

Protest Suppression

Recent protests against the removal of fuel subsidies and the rising cost of living have been met with a heavy-handed response. Security forces used live ammunition on unarmed protesters, resulting in at least 22 deaths, according to Amnesty International. Many protesters have been arrested and face severe charges, with concerns over the denial of legal representation.

Erosion of Democratic Values

The initial optimism surrounding Tinubu’s presidency has waned as reports of human rights abuses and suppression of dissent emerge. Both domestic and international observers are questioning the administration’s commitment to democracy and human rights.

Calls for Accountability

As Nigeria faces this critical juncture, civil society and international communities are urging greater accountability. Critics, including Dr. Zikirullahi Ibrahim and Barrister Temi Salami, have called for resignations and condemned the government’s actions as a step towards authoritarianism. Amnesty International has criticized the government for failing to uphold constitutional rights.

The unfolding situation in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the perils of unchecked power. The hope remains that the voices of the oppressed will be heard and that justice and democratic values will ultimately prevail.