Kehinde Fajobi
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the alleged “weaponisation” of security agencies like the Department of State Services (DSS) and focus on addressing Nigeria’s economic crisis.
In a statement dated October 19, 2024, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation accused the Tinubu-led administration of using baseless lawsuits to suppress human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and citizens.
“Weaponising the security agencies to intimidate, harass, and silence human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and other civil society actors will weaken representative democracy, deepen impunity, and undermine the rule of law,” Oluwadare said.
SERAP specifically urged President Tinubu to direct the DSS to withdraw a defamation lawsuit filed against the organisation and its staff.
The group also expressed concerns about the government’s approach to criticism, particularly following an incident where DSS officials reportedly took over SERAP’s Abuja office after it called for a reversal of petrol price hikes.
“We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponising the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression to target those who defend human rights,” the statement read.
SERAP also criticised the government for failing to address corruption in the oil sector and urged it to focus on investigating these allegations instead of targeting those advocating for reform.
“If the lawsuit is not immediately withdrawn, we will be prepared to defend our organisation and management staff in court and to join your government and the DSS in the lawsuit,” Oluwadare warned.
SERAP’s statement concluded by urging the government to respect the rule of law, noting that this would reduce corruption and improve governance.