The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued an urgent appeal to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, calling for intervention in response to reported attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.
SERAP has urged Ms. Scotland to use the Commonwealth Charter to press Nigerian authorities for thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into the reported attacks on journalists and protesters.
The group has also called for the publication of investigation outcomes and for those responsible to be held accountable, ensuring justice and remedies for affected journalists and peaceful demonstrators in accordance with both domestic and international laws.
The appeal, dated August 3, 2024, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, highlights the targeting of journalists as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards. It stresses the need for accountability and adherence to law enforcement best practices.
“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 contrary to best law enforcement standards,” the appeal states.
“Those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes. The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability, media freedom, and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.”
The appeal has also been sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, underscoring Nigeria’s history of failing to protect human rights. SERAP argues that upholding Commonwealth values is crucial for maintaining trust in its institutions and calls for a firm stance on human rights and media freedom in Nigeria.
The appeal notes that Nigerian authorities have repeatedly shown a lack of commitment to human rights protection. It asserts that the Commonwealth should take a strong stance to uphold the principles of media freedom and human rights, which are integral to its integrity and effectiveness.
“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions,” the appeal reads.
“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 and effectiveness.”
The document emphasizes that Nigerian authorities are legally obligated to protect journalists covering news, including protests, and to investigate and address any violations that occur during public demonstrations. It also highlights that the Commonwealth Charter and declarations recognize media freedom and the right to participate in democratic processes through peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and access to information.
The appeal calls for the immediate and unconditional release of any peaceful protesters and journalists detained solely for exercising their rights. It asserts that law enforcement officers should only use force in exceptional circumstances and that any force applied must be the minimum necessary and proportionate to the threat.
SERAP criticizes the Nigerian government for its failure to consistently promote accountability within law enforcement, particularly during protests. It stresses that any use of force by security agents must be investigated to ensure it was necessary and proportional.
The appeal details recent incidents where security agents have allegedly attacked journalists and peaceful protesters in Abuja and other locations. Reports indicate that security forces tear-gassed and shot at journalists and protesters, with bullets piercing vehicles transporting journalists and damaging commuter vehicles. Several journalists, including those from Premium Times, The PUNCH, The Cable, and Peoples Gazette, have reportedly been targeted.
Additionally, SERAP reports that over 50 journalists have been arrested merely for covering the protests. Incidents include the alleged abduction of The PUNCH photojournalist Kayode Jaiyeola’s equipment and the firing of teargas at journalists at the Berger roundabout. In Borno State, nine staff members of Radio Ndarason Internationale were reportedly arrested while covering the protests.
The appeal concludes by asserting the critical role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability during protests and urges Nigerian authorities to provide the highest degree of protection for journalists, ensuring they can perform their duties without fear of violence or harassment.
