Irony of human rights defenders as abusers

By Comrade Godwin Anyebe

In a world where human rights should be upheld as sacrosanct, it is ironic that the greatest abusers of these rights are often the very individuals or groups who claim to be their staunchest defenders.

This paradox was succinctly captured several years ago during the annual general congress of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) in Lagos.

At the National Council session, the then Assistant Secretary of the group,Comrade Audu Ali Okechela Akpala, made a striking observation: “The greatest abusers of human rights today are the self-acclaimed defenders of human rights.” His words ring true not only within the confines of that particular gathering but also in the broader socio-political context today.

Comrade Akpala’s critique was grounded in the way some of our fellow comrades, supposed champions of justice and equality, were quick to shout down others during discussions, denying them the basic right to express their views on issues of national importance.

The situation highlighted the growing trend where those who should protect the freedom of speech instead become its greatest suppressors. Over time, this behavior has only worsened, as power often corrupts even the most noble causes.

Recent events in Nigeria provide further evidence of this distressing pattern. Considering the arrest of Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Ajaero was arrested without due process, a blatant abuse of human rights. The government, which claims to operate within the rule of law, violated the basic right to free assembly and expression.

Similarly, the recent clampdown on the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in Abuja by security forces reveals another disturbing trend.

SERAP, a prominent human rights advocacy group, has long been at the forefront of fighting corruption and promoting accountability in governance. Yet, under the current regime, their offices were invaded, and their staff members were harassed. How does a government that claims to uphold democratic principles justify such actions against a body committed to defending the rights of the citizenry?

The hypocrisy is stark. The self-proclaimed defenders of human rights—whether in government, civil society, or even in activist groups—too often become the very violators they claim to oppose. It is no longer surprising to see activists who once fought for justice become oppressive when they ascend to positions of power. Instead of fostering an environment where diverse opinions are welcomed and constructive dialogue is encouraged, they often adopt authoritarian tactics to stifle dissent.

Comrade Akpala’s observation during that CDHR meeting was more than a critique of a momentary dispute among our colleagues; it was a prophetic insight into a systemic issue that permeates human rights activism today.

Activists, government officials, and civil society leaders must recognize that defending human rights is not merely about opposing the government or participating in protests. It is about embodying the principles they claim to defend—respecting the views and freedoms of others, even when those views differ from their own.

As Nigeria navigates its political future, it is imperative to address this growing contradiction. The abuse of human rights by those who are meant to safeguard them is not just a national issue but a global concern. We must remain vigilant in holding all leaders, activists, and institutions accountable, ensuring that the cause of human rights is not tarnished by the very people who should champion it.

The challenge facing human rights defenders today is not just fighting external enemies but also recognizing and addressing the internal threats posed by our own actions. The arrest of the NLC president and the crackdown on SERAP demonstrate that the fight for human rights is far from over. True defenders must stand for the principles they espouse, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable those principles may be. Otherwise, they risk becoming the very tyrants they once fought against.

Comrade Anyebe, Media Practitioner and Human Rights Activist, Lagos