The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has condemned the recent invasion of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Secretariat in Abuja and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) office in Lagos by security agencies.
The organization described the actions as an assault on democracy, freedom of assembly, and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by CITAD’s Executive Director, Y. Z Ya’u, and released to newsmen in Kano, the organization expressed concern over the raids on the offices of the NLC and CDHR.
According to CITAD, these actions are not only an attack on the two organizations but also a broader threat to civil society in the country.
“The invasion of these organizations is a violation of their rights to operate freely and without fear,” said Ya’u.
He added that the NLC and CDHR have long advocated for the rights of Nigerians to express themselves and assemble and that their recent criticisms of the security agencies’ use of force during the #EndBadGovernance protests were within their rights as defenders of democracy.
CITAD further noted that the actions of the security agencies set a dangerous precedent for civil society organizations, activists, and citizens who speak out against injustice in Nigeria.
“This invasion is a threat to all civil society organizations, activists, and citizens who speak against injustice by the Nigerian government and its security agencies,” Ya’u said.
CITAD called on the presidency to intervene by directing the security agencies to cease their tactics.
“We condemn this violation of people’s rights to assemble and express themselves freely and call on the presidency to call these agencies to order,” Ya’u urged.
CITAD reiterated its commitment to standing with the NLC, CDHR, and others working to ensure that Nigeria remains a nation where justice, freedom, and the rule of law prevail.
“We stand with the NLC, CDHR, and others who are working to ensure that Nigeria remains a nation where justice, freedom, and the rule of law prevail,” concluded Ya’u.
