SERAP to Tinubu Government: Stop Using DSS and Proxies to Suppress Critics

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to cease using the nation’s security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to intimidate Nigerians who are exercising their fundamental human rights.

SERAP urged Tinubu to direct the DSS to immediately withdraw a defamation lawsuit allegedly filed by proxies on behalf of the agency against SERAP’s organization and its management.Last week, two DSS officials filed a defamation lawsuit against SERAP, following allegations the organization made about a recent invasion of its Abuja office by DSS agents. SERAP has expressed deep concern about this development, stating that the government is “weaponizing” the DSS to suppress legitimate voices of dissent.

In an open letter dated October 19, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP expressed alarm over the use of defamation laws as a tool of repression. The organization emphasized that the government’s actions are a blatant attempt to silence human rights defenders and activists who are fighting against corruption and advocating for transparency.SERAP criticized the government for focusing on targeting critics instead of addressing pressing issues such as widespread corruption in the oil sector and the country’s worsening economic situation.

According to SERAP, the government has failed to take meaningful steps to reduce the cost of governance, improve transparency, or address the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.The letter further stated that if the lawsuit is not withdrawn, SERAP is prepared to defend its management in court, and may also file a counter-lawsuit involving the DSS and the government. SERAP said it would call witnesses to help end impunity for human rights violations and ensure that justice is served.

Since its inception in 2004, SERAP has brought several public interest cases against the administrations of former presidents, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari. However, the group noted that this is the first time a Nigerian government has used security agencies to intimidate and target its organization in such a direct manner.The defamation lawsuit, filed by unnamed DSS officials, was described by SERAP as being instigated and sponsored by the DSS under Tinubu’s leadership.

The organization underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and citizens to organize freely without fear of retaliation through lawsuits or other forms of harassment.SERAP warned that using security agencies to stifle free expression and peaceful advocacy weakens Nigeria’s democratic institutions, deepens impunity, and undermines the rule of law.

The organization called on the government to investigate the allegations it has raised, instead of attempting to silence those who speak out against corruption and injustice.The letter also expressed SERAP’s disappointment that the government has not acted on its previous recommendations, including reversing the recent illegal hike in fuel prices imposed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and probing corruption allegations within the oil industry. Despite SERAP’s calls for accountability, the government has not investigated the NNPC’s spending of $300 million in bailout funds received from the federal government in August 2024, nor has it addressed the company’s $6 billion debt to suppliers.

SERAP further criticized the Tinubu administration for its refusal to comply with several court rulings obtained by the organization, including orders compelling the government to disclose details of its agreement with X (formerly Twitter) and explain whether the deal respects Nigerians’ online rights. The group also accused the government of failing to account for N729 billion distributed to 24.3 million impoverished Nigerians over a six-month period.

SERAP’s letter also referenced an incident on September 9, 2024, in which DSS officials allegedly invaded its Abuja office. The organization said it was later served with a defamation lawsuit, with case number CV/4547/24. SERAP pointed out that under Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has witnessed an increasing crackdown on human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

The judicial harassment of those who peacefully defend human rights, SERAP argued, contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations. The letter highlighted ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors, including the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), who have been subjected to intimidation and arbitrary detention.According to SERAP, the government’s actions demonstrate hostility towards civil society actors who defend citizens’ rights, challenge human rights violations, and demand accountability for corrupt practices.

SERAP called on the Tinubu government to end its use of baseless legal processes to silence human rights defenders, activists, and journalists.SERAP also emphasized that its work, focused on human rights and anti-corruption efforts, has always adhered to high standards of impartiality, and it stressed that no government should be beyond scrutiny.

The organization’s commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability has earned it recognition both nationally and internationally, including the Wole Soyinka Anti-Corruption Defender Award and nominations for global freedom of expression prizes.Finally, SERAP urged the Tinubu administration to embrace the rule of law, stating that this would foster respect for human rights and reduce corruption. Without adherence to the rule of law, the organization warned, the government’s economic and development goals are unlikely to be achieved, as the rule of law is fundamental to a just and functioning society.