The Conscience Foundation, a civic rights organization, has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to end the arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals who speak out against bad governance.
This call was made as Nigeria joined other nations in celebrating Social Justice Day. The Foundation also demanded that all charges against the 11 Abuja #EndBadGovernance protesters be dropped immediately.
In a statement released on Thursday, Deborah Yusuf, the Foundation’s Media Director, condemned the alleged harassment of Engineer Khalid Aminu by the Department of State Services (DSS). She also demanded an end to the oppression of other victims of state repression.
“As the world marks Social Justice Day, we strongly urge the Nigerian government to stop the ongoing practice of arbitrarily arresting and detaining individuals for expressing dissenting views,” Yusuf stated.
She emphasized that social justice is built on principles of fairness, equality, and human rights, and these values must be upheld in Nigeria.
“We are calling for the charges against all #EndBadGovernance protesters to be dropped, especially those against Engineer Khalid Aminu, who was charged with defamation by the DSS for exposing the inhumane treatment and torture he suffered while in unjust detention,” she said.
Yusuf expressed concern over the persistent suppression of opposition voices through illegal detentions, intimidation, and censorship of free speech.
“The use of force to silence critics undermines the foundations of democracy and fosters a climate of fear and insecurity among the people,” she added.
Social Justice Day is recognized globally to promote social equality and address issues like poverty, exclusion, gender discrimination, unemployment, human rights, and social protection.
“As this year’s theme suggests, ‘Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice’, we urge the Nigerian government to work towards reducing inequality between the rich and the poor to achieve a just society,” Yusuf said.
While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to maintain law and order, she insisted that it must be done within the framework of human rights and the rule of law.
“The arrest and detention of individuals simply for expressing their views—whether political, social, or otherwise—must come to an end immediately,” she stated.
“As we commemorate Social Justice Day, a day dedicated to fairness and equal opportunities, we emphasize the need to protect individuals’ rights to express themselves without fear of retaliation.”
The Conscience Foundation outlined key demands for the government, including:
- Respect for Freedom of Speech: Citizens should be free to voice their opinions, participate in peaceful protests, and engage in national conversations without facing arrest or violence.
- End to Arbitrary Detentions: The government must ensure that all arrests follow due process and are not used as a tool to suppress criticism.
- Commitment to Democratic Values: A thriving democracy requires open discourse and diverse opinions. Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, must feel safe to contribute to the nation’s progress.
- Prioritization of Social Justice: As Social Justice Day is observed, the government must focus on justice, equity, and accountability, ensuring that all citizens enjoy their fundamental rights.
Yusuf reaffirmed the Foundation’s solidarity with those unjustly targeted for speaking out.
“We call on the Nigerian government to respect international human rights commitments, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard the freedoms of all citizens,” she said.
“Let this day serve as a renewed commitment to justice and the creation of a society where everyone can live freely, peacefully, and with dignity.”
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