S4C sues for an open civic space following the 2023 elections

Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri – Executive Director – S4C

Eniekan Akpan Ukeme -Obong

Spaces for Change (S4C) have expressed   concern on  the shrinking civic space in Nigeria following the 2023 general elections, as evidenced by the astronomical increase in cases of restrictions on civic space recorded by the Closing Spaces database.

According to the Legal Officer, Spaces for Change, Patrick Terhide Allam, the 2023 elections, like every electoral cycle since 1999, have been characterized by incidents of voter suppression, electoral violence, and attacks on press
freedoms, which constitute clear violations of human rights and democracy, and indicate a
systemic regression of civil rights in the country.

He said that these tensions have not abated in the days and weeks after the elections.

“News stations have been slammed with bogus fines for airing political interviews; politicians are fuelling inter-tribal tension, while there have been violent restrictions on access to justice for members of political opposition groups by security forces.

“In the last few weeks, the Closing Spaces Database has documented multiple arrests of journalists and media practitioners. Serious questions have also been raised about how government-led surveillance is rapidly eroding the privacy of citizens.

Additionally, he explained that the framing of every social, political and ethnic discontent as treasonable felonies especially against opposition groups has surged to alarming levels never seen before.

“The deployment of spyware by government entities is a major cause for concern. Spaces for
Change has been promoting the responsible deployment of spyware and surveillance technologies
by governments, while upholding the fundamental human rights of individuals. Recent events
have sparked widespread apprehension and fear among activists given that the potential for misuse of these technologies is very high.

“These flashpoints are not unanticipated. S4C’s research reports, Security Playbook on Digital Authoritarianism in Nigeria and the Civic Space in West Africa:
Trends, Threats and Futures anticipated these repressive trends and issued out early warning
signals to activists, governments and citizens.

“We urge the Nigerian government to respect and protect the rights of its citizens, including freedom of expression,, association and assembly. We call for an end to all forms of violence and intimidation against journalists and media houses, political opposition groups, civil society organizations, and peaceful protesters. We also call for the prompt investigation and prosecution of all those responsible for any violations of human rights and the rule of law.

“S4C stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria who are fighting for their rights and for democracy. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support efforts to promote and protect human rights and democratic values in Nigeria,” he stated.