By TINA TIMOTHY

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has condemned the recent arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the ‘unlawful’ occupation of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by State Security Service (SSS).

In a statement on Monday, September 9, 2024, signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD lamented that these actions are capable of jeopardizing the democratic principles that are the bedrock of our nation, as they signal “a disturbing trend that threatens the civic space in Nigeria.”

The statement read: “Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development) A Human Rights & Pro-Democracy organization is deeply alarmed by the recent troubling actions carried out by Nigeria’s security agencies, specifically the State Security Service (SSS) and the Department of State Services (DSS). These actions represent a direct threat to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and jeopardize the democratic principles that are the bedrock of our nation.

“Reports emerged that officers from the SSS unlawfully occupied the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). According to a post on SERAP’s official X handle, these officers demanded to see the organization’s directors without any legal justification or prior notice.

“This blatant act of intimidation and harassment against SERAP, a leading civil society organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Nigeria, is a severe infringement on the rights to freedom of association, expression, and assembly.

“The unlawful occupation of SERAP’s office is not only a violation of the rights of the organization and its staff but also sets a dangerous precedent for how civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria are treated. CSOs play a critical role in holding the government accountable, advocating for the rights of citizens, and contributing to the development of policies that promote social justice and equity. By targeting such an organization, the SSS is sending a chilling message to all CSOs in Nigeria that their legitimate activities may be subject to unwarranted interference and repression.

“In a related development, the DSS arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, at the international airport as he was on his way to attend an official assignment. The arrest of a prominent labor leader without clear legal grounds or explanation raises serious concerns about the respect for due process and the rule of law in Nigeria. The NLC, as the largest labor union in the country, represents the interests of millions of Nigerian workers and has historically been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. The arrest of its president can be seen as an attempt to stifle dissent and weaken the labor movement, which has consistently held the government accountable on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerian workers.

“The combination of these two events – the unlawful occupation of SERAP’s office and the arrest of the NLC president – signals a disturbing trend that threatens the civic space in Nigeria. Civic space is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy, allowing citizens and organizations to freely express their views, assemble, and engage in activities that hold the government accountable. When this space is constricted by the actions of security agencies, it undermines the very essence of democracy and erodes public trust in the government.”

While calling on the federal government to stop the arbitrary use of power by security agencies, the intimidation and harassment of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and labor unions, FENRAD further urged them to ensure that the SSS and DSS operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of all citizens and organizations, adding that “the international community is closely watching these developments, and Nigeria’s reputation as a democratic nation is at stake.”

Continuing, the group said: “FENRAD strongly condemns these actions by the SSS and DSS and calls on the Nigerian government to immediately halt any further attempts to intimidate or harass civil society organizations and labor unions. We stand in solidarity with SERAP, the NLC, and all other civil society organizations and advocates who have been affected by these repressive measures. It is crucial for the government to recognize that a vibrant civil society and a strong labor movement are essential components of a healthy democracy.

“Furthermore, we urge the Nigerian government to ensure that the SSS and DSS operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of all citizens and organizations. The arbitrary use of power by security agencies not only violates the rights of individuals and organizations but also has the potential to lead to a broader erosion of democratic norms and values in Nigeria.

“The international community is closely watching these developments, and Nigeria’s reputation as a democratic nation is at stake.”

The group then called on the government to take necessary actions to restore public confidence, the National Assembly, Judiciary and relevant stakeholders to do their part to protect the rights of all citizens and organizations.

“FENRAD calls on the government to restore public confidence by upholding the rule of law, ensuring that security agencies are held accountable for their actions, and taking concrete steps to protect the rights of all citizens and organizations.

“We also call on the National Assembly, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders to play their roles in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. The National Assembly should conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents and take appropriate measures to prevent a recurrence. The judiciary must remain vigilant in protecting the rights of citizens and organizations and must not allow itself to be used as an instrument of repression,” the group stated.

While calling on all Nigerians to speak up against any threat to democracy, FENRAD said it will continue to advocate for human rights, social justice, and environmental protection in Nigeria, work with other CSOs, labor unions, and concerned citizens to defend rights and freedoms that are essential to a democratic society, adding that “democracy thrives when the rights of the people, including the right to organize, express dissent, and hold the government accountable, are respected and protected.”

“Thus, FENRAD reiterates its commitment to advocating for human rights, social justice, and environmental protection in Nigeria. We will continue to work with other civil society organizations, labor unions, and concerned citizens to defend the rights and freedoms that are essential to a democratic society. We call on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and to speak out against any actions that threaten our hard-won democratic gains.

“Democracy thrives when the rights of the people, including the right to organize, express dissent, and hold the government accountable, are respected and protected. The Nigerian government must take immediate steps to ensure that these rights are upheld and that the actions of its security agencies do not erode the democratic foundations of our nation,” FENRAD added.