SERAP Urges President Tinubu to Halt DSS Harassment and Intimidation

Harassment Linked to SERAP’s Criticism of Fuel Price Hike

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action in directing the Department of State Services (DSS) to stop its harassment and intimidation of the organization. SERAP expressed concern over a recent invasion of its Abuja office by DSS officers, accusing the agency of targeting the organization and threatening its directors.

This attack follows SERAP’s public call for the government to reverse the recent hike in fuel prices and investigate allegations of corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). SERAP urges President Tinubu to intervene and ensure the DSS ceases actions that threaten human rights defenders and civil society organizations.

Harassment Linked to SERAP’s Criticism of Fuel Price Hike

The invasion is reportedly tied to SERAP’s demands that the Tinubu administration reverse the controversial fuel price increase, which many believe is unconstitutional. SERAP has consistently called for transparency and accountability in the Nigerian government’s dealings, especially concerning public resources.

In response to the DSS’s actions, Kolawole Oluwadare, the deputy director of SERAP, released a statement condemning the invasion. “This government must immediately instruct the DSS to end its intimidation of SERAP,” he stated, reiterating the importance of civil society groups operating without fear of government suppression.

Human Rights Advocates Condemn the Invasion

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana also condemned the DSS’s invasion of SERAP’s office, urging the Tinubu administration to hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized the need for the government to protect the rights of human rights defenders and ensure that civil society organizations can operate freely without fear of reprisal.

Falana’s comments further highlight the growing concerns about the government’s stance on human rights, as organizations like SERAP continue to face intimidation for holding those in power accountable. He stated, “This crackdown is a direct assault on Nigeria’s human rights community.”

SERAP’s Continued Fight for Human Rights

Despite the harassment, SERAP remains committed to its mission of exposing human rights violations and seeking redress for victims. The organization has warned that it will explore legal avenues both nationally and internationally to challenge these violations and protect its members from further intimidation. SERAP also called on President Tinubu to speak out against these attacks and reaffirm the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and freedom of expression.

SERAP’s work is recognized under the Nigerian Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The organization continues to play a critical role in defending human rights in Nigeria, and its leadership has vowed to resist any attempts to silence or undermine its efforts.

The Broader Impact on Civil Society

SERAP’s concerns about the narrowing civic space in Nigeria reflect a broader issue faced by civil society organizations across the country. The increasing crackdown on NGOs and human rights defenders threatens not only these organizations but also the individuals they seek to protect. As SERAP emphasized, “Harassment of civil society groups undermines justice for victims and perpetuates impunity for perpetrators.”

President Tinubu is now under pressure to ensure that his administration does not condone actions that violate human rights. Civil society groups and international organizations are watching closely as the Nigerian government navigates these allegations of suppressing free expression and civil rights.

Conclusion: SERAP Demands Accountability

SERAP continues to call on President Tinubu to direct the DSS to end its harassment and ensure that those responsible for the recent invasion of their office are held accountable. The organization has reiterated its commitment to fighting for justice and upholding the rights of all Nigerians, despite the government’s efforts to intimidate and silence its work.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in holding governments accountable, and SERAP’s resilience in the face of these challenges underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of human rights defenders in Nigeria.