SERAP Urges Commonwealth to Sanction Nigeria Over Attacks on Journalists, Protesters

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland to apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for reported attacks on journalists and peaceful protesters during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

In a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, on Sunday, the organization urged Scotland to use the Commonwealth Charter to pressure the Nigerian government into a comprehensive investigation of these attacks. “We call on the Secretary-General to ensure that the Nigerian authorities conduct a prompt, thorough, impartial, independent, transparent, and effective investigation into the reported assaults on journalists and peaceful protesters,” Oluwadare said.

SERAP also demanded that the outcomes of any investigations be made public, with accountability for those responsible and effective remedies for the victims. “The authorities should publish the investigation results, hold those responsible accountable, and provide justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and protesters,” Oluwadare added.

The organization emphasized the need for Nigerian authorities to uphold journalists’ rights to cover protests safely and without interference. “The targeting of journalists with force is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law, and contradicts best law enforcement practices,” SERAP stated. “The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability, media freedom, and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.”

In their urgent appeal dated August 3, 2024, SERAP also addressed the broader issue of human rights violations. “The Nigerian authorities have repeatedly shown a lack of commitment to protecting human rights. Respect for Commonwealth values is crucial for maintaining trust in Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth must take a strong stance to protect human rights and media freedom in Nigeria, which are fundamental to its integrity and effectiveness,” the appeal read.

The statement highlighted that Nigerian authorities have a legal obligation to protect journalists and investigate any violations occurring during public demonstrations. “Nigerian authorities must ensure that journalists are not detained, threatened, or harmed while covering protests. Any use of force must be the minimum necessary, targeted, and proportional to the threat,” SERAP noted.

SERAP also demanded immediate and unconditional release for any peaceful protesters and journalists detained solely for exercising their rights. “Law enforcement officers should only use force in exceptional circumstances, and any use of lethal force must be strictly controlled,” the organization said.

SERAP’s statement detailed specific incidents of violence against journalists and protesters. “Reports indicate that security agents have attacked journalists and protesters in Abuja and other areas. Journalists have been tear-gassed, shot at, and chased. Notably, a Premium Times reporter’s car was shot at multiple times, and a freelance journalist, Ayoola Babalola, was arrested,” SERAP reported.

Additionally, over 50 journalists have been arrested simply for covering the protests. “A journalist, Abdulqudus Ogundapo, expressed fear for his safety amidst the gunfire. The PUNCH photojournalist, Kayode Jaiyeola, had his equipment seized, and police fired teargas at journalists at the Berger roundabout,” SERAP noted. “In Borno State, nine Radio Ndarason Internationale staff members were detained by security officials in Maiduguri.”

SERAP concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of journalists and maintaining transparency in the face of government action.