ActionAid Nigeria a non governmental organisation, has called on federal government to provide an explanation on the alleged seize , intimidation of CISLAC by DSS operatives in Abuja during the last public holiday.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Ene Obi, Country Director of ActionAid in Abuja and made available to journalists in Lokoja, pointing out that they are monitoring the case closely as it borders on the shrinking civic space in Nigeria which should be a matter of urgent concern to all citizens, local and international stakeholders.
The statement further pointed out that in a country where the constitution guarantees human right and freedom of expression, but have been altered and should be addressed without hesitation so as to stem it from spreading like harmatan fire .
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“It is quite unfortunate to hear of the alleged invasion of The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) office by the DSS during the public holiday,” Obi said.
“As civil society, we have the mandate to seek accountability and defend human rights regardless of who wields the power.
“In a country where the constitution guarantees human rights and freedom of expression, what we have continued to experience in recent times is the flagrant abuse of power and the consistent attempt by the government to gag human rights defenders in the country; it is sad that this act is now extended to institutions.
“Injustice to one is injustice to all. Since the inception of democratic governance in Nigeria, the county has never witnessed this level of gross violations of the rights of the citizens, human rights defenders and organizations as we have seen in recent times,” she said.
Obi further said: “We demand an explanation. We ask the federal government to investigate what has transpired and tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians on behalf of its overzealous officers.
“We are monitoring this case closely as it borders on the shrinking civic space in Nigeria which should be a matter of urgent concern to all citizens, local and international stakeholders alikel.”
