The Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has slammed the Akwa Ibom State Government over the “recent flagrant attack” by its agents on a civil Society Organization/NGO, Policy Alert.

HEDA described it as “uncalled-for and a proof of misplaced priority of the government”, vowing that it would not hesitate to stand by its allies “in times like this” since “an injury to one, is an injury to all”.

HEDA said in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed its Chairman, Olanrewju Suraj: “We are extremely worried over the growing attacks and harassments of activists in Nigeria. The shrinking civil space largely due to incessant attacks by the government at national and sub-national levels are becoming unbecoming.

“The latest harassment on activists in Akwa Ibom state where the staff and volunteers of Policy Alert, a Coalition member of the PWYP were being harassed by state government agents is strongly condemned.

“The ordeal which staff members and volunteers of Policy Alert are facing today must be condemned also by all and sundry.

“Political thugs and state agents are on their trails because the organization’s sensitization work through Radio Programmes, town hall meetings and community engagements are having positive impacts on the people of Akwa Ibom, especially the grassroots, women and youth, which any reasonable government should support.

“Development Activists, Human Rights Defenders, Anti-Corruption crusaders and the likes are becoming endangered species in Nigeria. This is worrisome. Thus, we are calling on like minds from across board to rise now and stand for the right of the civil society organizations to freely operate in the country.

“Rather than collaborate with Non-State Actors to improve good governance in every State, some state governments are busy chasing shadows; and wasting the resources of the people in trivialities and corruption exigencies, even the government at the center is not exempted.

“We call on the people of Akwa Ibom, and Nigerians to rise to demand good governance and respect for human Rights. HEDA holds Akwa Ibom State government responsible for any negative development on the workers of Policy Alert.”

Update news