As part of measures to stop the incessant of media personnel, a coalition of 17 notable civil society organisations (CSOs) has launched #DontPoliceMySpeech campaign against arrest of Nigerian journalists and civic defenders.
Ms Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, at the rally and launch on Wednesday in Abuja said at least 25 journalists have been illegally arrested under the present administration which assumed office in May 2023 and that regular citizens are not spared as well.
She said the #DontPoliceMySpeech campaign is in response to public demand for an end to the abuse of power and the criminalization of free speech by Nigerian authorities against journalists and other citizens.
“The campaign specifically highlights the misuse and weaponization of the Cybercrimes Act in a bid to silence and prevent journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and expression.”
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“Nigerians were all outraged by the illegal arrest and prosecution, using state resources, of an innocent woman, Ms. Okoli, for reviewing a tomato paste she bought with her money, using state resources. These cases send a disturbing message that no one is safe for expressing their opinion.
“The Cybercrimes Act, originally designed to combat online criminal activity, has morphed into a tool for silencing dissent. Despite its recent amendment, Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act, continues to be misused by Nigerian security agencies in violation of the Nigerian constitution,” she said.
Ewang said the stifling of the press and public discourse is authoritarian and undermines citizens’ rights to demand accountability.
The event also witnessed a peaceful march involving over 200 journalists, civil society organizations, and citizens at the Ministry of Justice, demanding an end to infringements on freedom of expression and unlawful arrests.
“Freedom of expression is entrenched in the Nigerian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of which Nigeria is a signatory,” a representatives of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), said at the rally.
The protesters among others demanded immediate end to police abuse of power, ensure justice is properly ordered; and protection of fundamental rights for all Nigerians.
Members of the coalition are Accountability Lab Nigeria, Paradigm Initiative, SERAP, CJID, Dataphyte Foundation, Humangle Media, Tap Initiative, DigiCivic Initiative, Follow Taxes, Document Women, More Branches, Femme Mag, LightRay Media, Invictus Africa, Marie Claire, Document Women and Gatefield.
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