A civil rights organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called for an immediate end to the intimidation and harassment of journalists, activists, civil society organisations, and citizens with dissenting viewpoints.
The call was made by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, during an interactive session and press conference jointly organised by SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The event focused on “Practical strategies and collaborative approaches to address the increasing threats to civic space and media independence in Nigeria.”
Mr. Oluwadare expressed concern over the persistent threats faced by journalists and the rising use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which he said could have a chilling effect on press freedom.
“SLAPPs create emotional, psychological, and financial burdens for those sued by government agencies. These cases often drag on for three or four years, and while they appear lawful, their intention is not good. They are meant to instill fear—some sort of psychological warfare—against the press, activists, and citizens critical of government policies,” he said.
He warned that actions taken by some government officials and influential individuals have far-reaching negative consequences, including the erosion of democracy, rising corruption, the spread of misinformation, and increasing human rights abuses.
“No nation will progress under such conditions,” he stated.
Oluwadare further noted that impunity for individuals who threaten or harass journalists and human rights defenders contributes to a hostile environment for those protecting constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights in Nigeria.
“Criminal defamation and SLAPPs are neither necessary nor proportionate under the Nigerian Constitution and various human rights treaties Nigeria has ratified. Nigeria has a penchant for signing these treaties but shows a poor record in implementing them,” he said.
Also speaking, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, urged authorities to withdraw SLAPP lawsuits filed against journalists, activists, and civil society groups, stressing that the government must uphold human rights obligations.
“Nigerian authorities should urgently act to prevent further spurious court cases by security and law enforcement agencies that target journalists and undermine democracy,” Ukeh stated.
Stronger Protection
He called for stronger protections for journalists, activists, and civil society organisations, noting that defamation should not be weaponized to suppress legitimate freedoms.
Ukeh also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to direct state governments, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services to fully uphold human rights, press freedom, access to information, court judgments, and the rule of law.
“The National Assembly must urgently review and amend the Cybercrime Act and other restrictive laws to align with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and commitments to media freedom,” he stated.
The event, held in Lagos, brought together media executives, civil society organisations, human rights activists, and other key stakeholders.
Lateefah Ibrahim