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SERAP Urges Commonwealth To Sanction Nigeria Over Attacks On Journalists, Protesters
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, to apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold the Nigerian authorities accountable for reports of attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests and peaceful demonstrations in some parts of the country.
SERAP also called on Scotland to use the Commonwealth Charter “to press the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently, and effectively investigate reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests in Nigeria and on peaceful protesters.”
SERAP, in a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, yesterday, urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to publish the outcome of any investigation, hold suspected perpetrators to account, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and peaceful protesters for any violations of domestic law and international standards.
The organisation urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to monitor and report on protests, ensure their safety, and ensure that journalists are not detained, threatened, attacked, or restricted when covering noteworthy events of public interest, such as protests.
In the urgent appeal dated August 3, 2024, SERAP stated that the targeting of journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law, and is contrary to best law enforcement standards.
SERAP said, “Those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes. The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, media freedom, and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.”
The urgent appeal, copied to Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Mr Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, read in part:
““The Nigerian authorities over the years have repeatedly demonstrated that they are not committed to protecting human rights.
“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth ought to take a strong stand for the protection of human rights and media freedom in Nigeria, principles which are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s integrity, functioning, and effectiveness of its institutions.
“Nigerian authorities have the legal obligation to protect journalists reporting the news, including covering protests. Nigerian authorities also have an obligation to investigate and punish any violation that occurs within the framework of a public demonstration, including attacks on the press.
“The Commonwealth Charter and declarations recognise media freedom and the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, access to information, and media freedom, which apply both offline and online.”
Similarly, SERAP added that any peaceful protesters and journalists detained solely because of their exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and covering the protests should be immediately and unconditionally released.
“Law enforcement officers should only resort to force in ‘exceptional’ circumstances. Any use of force must only be the minimum amount necessary, targeted at specific individuals, and proportionate to the threat posed.”
“The restrictions on the use of force, including against journalists covering protests, are even more important when security agents use lethal force such as firearms.
“The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, contain language protecting the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
“Nigerian authorities have the obligation to consistently promote a culture of accountability for law enforcement officials during protests. Any use of force must be investigated to determine whether the force was necessary and proportionate,” SERAP noted.
The statement added that Nigerian authorities have an obligation to investigate effectively, impartially and in a timely manner any allegation or reasonable suspicion of unlawful use of force or other violations by law enforcement officials in the context of protests.
“The presence of journalists in protests promotes transparency and accountability and can deter the commission of such violations and abuses. To assume such a role, journalists have the right to observe, and by extension monitor, protests and to record reactions to protests by officials or other actors.
“Journalists play an essential watchdog role covering protests. Nigerian security agents have the duty to ensure the safety of journalists who are covering protests and to guarantee the right of the public to seek and receive information about these social mobilisations.
“Nigerian authorities must afford journalists the highest degree of protection in order for them to perform their work freely. This obligation includes both the duty to avoid the use or threat of force against journalists and to protect journalists against third-party violence.
“The confiscation, seizure, and/or destruction of notes and visual or audio recording equipment of journalists without due process should be prohibited and punished,” SERAP averred.
SERAP noted that even if an assembly is declared unlawful or is dispersed, it does not terminate the right of journalists to monitor protests, adding that Nigerian authorities have a legal obligation to adequately compensate journalists for any damaged equipment.
“According to the UN Special Rapporteurs and Human Rights Committee, the right to peaceful assembly is an individual right, not a collective right, and must be treated as such. Any isolated act of violence by some participants must not be attributed to other participants in the assembly.
“According to our information, security agents attacked journalists and some peaceful protesters in Abuja and other parts of the country. Security agents reportedly tear-gassed and shot at journalists and peaceful protesters, chasing and shooting at fleeing journalists.
“According to reports, bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location at three different locations in Abuja. Journalists inside the car shot by security agents are those of The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.
“Also, a commuter vehicle’s glass was reportedly shattered with bullets. These journalists visibly identified themselves as press. Security agents also reportedly arrested a freelance journalist, Ayoola Babalola, and some peaceful protesters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday,” the statement added.
SERAP highlighted that over 50 journalists have been reportedly arrested simply for covering the protests.
“A journalist, Abdulqudus Ogundapo, reportedly said he was scared for his safety when caught in the gunfire.
“On Thursday, some law enforcement officials reportedly abducted and carted away the camera and phones of The PUNCH photojournalist, Kayode Jaiyeola. On Friday in the Federal Capital Territory, police officers reportedly fired teargas at journalists covering the protest at the Berger roundabout.
“In Borno State, nine Radio Ndarason Internationale staff members were reportedly arrested by security officials in Maiduguri as they were covering protests,” SERAP lamented.
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (RSUBE) has trained 1,000 newly recruited teachers with a view to raising standards in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
The two-day orientation and capacity building programme held in Port Harcourt introduced the teachers to civil service rules, classroom management practices, and professional conduct expected of educators in the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, told the newly recruited teachers that teaching demands more than academic qualifications, and called for discipline, diligence, and a strong commitment to service.
He described teaching as a noble profession that is central to the development of the state.
The recruitment, he said, reflects the government’s investment in children and long-term development.
“Education is the foundation of societal progress, and basic education is where that foundation is laid,” Nwagor stated.
He urged the teachers to shape the values and character of pupils during their most formative years.
He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education through training, resources, and an environment that allows teachers to perform effectively.
Nwagor directed RSUBEB to reject transfer requests from rural to urban schools, saying the newly employed teachers have an obligation to serve where they are posted and help strengthen education in those communities.
In his opening remarks, the RSUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Oge, explained that the recruitment process began in 2023 under the previous board, adding that after assuming office, he consulted widely and secured Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval to complete the exercise.
Oge said the selection was competitive, with 1,000 candidates chosen from more than 5,000 applicants, and urged the teachers to treat the opportunity seriously and avoid lobbying for reposting.
He directed the teachers to resume at their assigned schools immediately, saying request for reposting will not be entertained.
The former RSUBEB Chairman, Ven. Dr. Fyneface Akah, who delivered the keynote address, described the orientation as the teachers’ formal entry into the civil service.
He urged them to be creative, purposeful, and open to learning on the job.
Akah stressed that teachers have a role in restoring values lost to moral decline, and urged them to model national values and see their work as a calling with lasting impact on the society.
He thanked the State Government for approving the recruitment, noting that the exercise will improve access to quality basic education across the State.
Akujobi Amadi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that no fewer than 1.4 million members of the National Youth Service Corps will be deployed for the 2027 general elections.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof Joash Amupitan (SAN), made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu, at the Yakubu Gowon House, headquarters of the scheme, in Abuja.
Amupitan, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Adedayo Oketola, described the meeting with the NYSC senior management team as more than a formal courtesy visit, saying it was also a mission of gratitude.
According to him, the NYSC remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic process.
He noted that corps members had participated in virtually every election cycle since 1999, stressing that, “INEC cannot conduct elections in Nigeria without the NYSC.
“As the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I am honoured to discuss our collaborative efforts toward ensuring seamless and credible elections in Nigeria.
“You provide the heartbeat of our field operations. When we speak of election manpower, we are essentially speaking of corps members.
“They are the most dedicated, educated and patriotic election duty staff we have, and their presence at polling units brings a level of neutrality and public confidence that is irreplaceable.
“They form the backbone of our election processes, especially as ad hoc staff, whose dedication, discipline and patriotism are critical to the success of our elections,” he added.
Amupitan said institutional data from the 2023 general election showed the importance of the partnership between INEC and the NYSC.
He explained that INEC deployed about 1.2 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 elections, with over 70 per cent, nearly 850,000 personnel drawn from corps members and student volunteers.
Speaking on preparations for the 2027 elections, the INEC chairman said more than 1.4 million ad hoc staff would be engaged, with corps members making up the majority.
“For the 2027 general election, we will require 707,384 ad hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
“The same number will be needed for the governorship and Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027, making a total of 1,414,768,” he said.
He added that INEC would also require 52,446 corps members for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as by-elections in Nasarawa, Enugu, Rivers, Ondo, Kebbi and Kano states.
Amupitan said corps members accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Registration Area Officers and Presiding Officers in many states during previous elections.
“These young Nigerians did not just facilitate voting; they protected the sanctity of the ballot in 176,846 polling units across some of the most difficult terrains in the country,” he said.
He further praised the corps members for their role in off-cycle elections, particularly the Anambra governorship election and the FCT Area Council polls.
According to him, their digital proficiency contributed significantly to the seamless operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System.
“In those exercises, it was the digital proficiency of corps members that ensured the seamless performance of our BVAS, proving they are the tech-savvy backbone of our modern democracy,” he added.
Amupitan acknowledged the sacrifices made by corps members during elections and assured that INEC would continue to work with the NYSC and security agencies to strengthen safety measures and welfare packages for them.
As the 2027 general election approaches, we are committed to ensuring adequate mobilisation and preparedness of NYSC members for this important national assignment,” he said.
He also noted that the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, scheduled for June 20 and August 15, respectively, alongside several by-elections, would serve as tests for innovations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding, Brig. Gen. Nafiu thanked INEC for its continued collaboration with the scheme.
He recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations was signed in 2011 and had been periodically renewed.
Nafiu described corps members as credible, reliable and easily trainable manpower.
“The last batch of millennials will soon exit the scheme, leaving behind Gen Z corps members known for their digital savviness, which will benefit INEC,” he said.
He assured the commission of the NYSC’s continued support in both the 2027 general elections and upcoming off-cycle elections.
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