Editorial
Reversing Nigeria’s Eroding Human Rights
On Sunday, December 10, a global commemoration marked the 75th anniversary of the seminal Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This Declaration, formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris three years after the establishment of this universal body, stands as a monument to the promotion and preservation of human rights worldwide.
The UDHR came into existence, contextualised by the chilling aftermath of the Second World War, imbued with a vision to protect human dignity and prevent such atrocities from recurring. The 30 articles enshrining diverse aspects of social, political, economic, and cultural rights constitute the bedrock of human rights jurisprudence and logic.
Against the backdrop of the recently celebrated International Human Rights Day, the world finds itself at a crossroads. We celebrate a global mandate advocating for the respect of fundamental human rights whilst simultaneously confronting the grim reality of rights contravention in several parts of the world.
Particularly, the scrutiny intensifies for Nigeria, where reports of rights violations by both state and non-state actors have dramatically spiked. Despite 24 consecutive years of civil rule, the basic rights of millions of Nigerians remain shockingly elusive.
To better grasp the scale and alarming trend of these issues, it is essential to take a closer look at the everyday realities of Nigerian citizens. Amnesty International stated in their 2019/20 report that the Nigerian government had been found wanting in the respect for the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Malevolent actions of state authorities and various armed groups exhibit a gross disregard for the sanctity of human life – the most basic human right.
The Nigerian government’s stance towards human rights advocacy can, at best, be described as passive – a term infernally far from the active participation required to actualise change. As argued by some human rights scholars, a government’s duty is not just to avoid violating human rights, but to actively protect and champion them, a role grossly neglected by the Nigerian government. Meanwhile, non-state actors like Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other armed groups commit acts of violence with disturbing audacity, revealing their blatant disregard for human rights.
However, simply stating the problem or resorting to politically-charged rhetoric does not facilitate practical change. It is instrumental to understand that respect for human rights is fundamentally imperative for a state’s stability and prosperity; it is not just an abstract moral cause. The protection of individual human rights is inextricably linked with national development. It becomes unmistakably evident that nations that uphold human rights tend to be more politically stable, economically prosperous, and display a more significant degree of societal harmony.
Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has continuously experienced tension, instability, and conflict, invariably leading to multifaceted human rights abuses. These violations, which include the killing of civilians by military airstrikes, rights infringements by the police, and assaults on persons and property by criminals, underscore the pervading dissonance.
In October 2020, the world watched in real-time as peaceful #EndSARS protesters met with live ammunition, further corroborating reports of widespread rights abuses by Nigerian security forces. The assault on persons and property by criminals represents another facet of concern.
Nigeria has a high prevalence of violent crime, from kidnapping to armed robbery, and has grappled with an escalating insurgency for over a decade. The failings of security agencies to curb these crimes reflect a tacit denial of the basic right to security for the Nigerian citizen.
In recent years, there has been an alarming upsurge in extrajudicial practices and killings within the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a report by the Open Society Initiative, these measures have included tactics as severe as illicit killings, sexual assault, and extortion. Notably, these incidents have transpired within over 400 police stations throughout the country. It uncovers the insidious paradox of an institution, charged with the responsibility of preserving civil liberties, being found guilty of breaching them.
While governments are traditionally perceived as the defenders of rights and enforcers of laws, a disconcerting development reveals a different narrative. The instances of frequent disobedience of court orders, unlawful detention, demolition of property without due process, denial of fundamental access to education, and brazen abuse of religious rights present a glaring paradox.
Having examined assorted human rights abuses, it is innocuous to say that citizens’ enjoyment of basic rights in Nigeria is far from ideal. Nigeria’s current position, as ranked by the World Report 2020, confirms that the country’s human rights problem is alarming. Regrettably, Human Rights Watch places the nation at 128th position out of 162 countries.
Reversing this trend will necessitate a profound and robust citizens’ commitment, requiring them to use every democratic tool at their disposal to challenge these flagrant violations and hold their governments accountable. Without this capitulation to those principles on which democracies stand, it can be perilously easy for the state itself to become the predator on the rights it is meant to protect.
The protection of human rights should not be perceived as a luxury but a necessity. Like a seed, once sown and nurtured, it yields benefits for society at large. The Nigerian state apparatus, civil society and international community must pull together in stemming this tide of abhorrent human rights violations. The chronicles of human rights infringements in our country are distressingly long and seemingly entrenched, but it is never too late for a reversal. While the intervention required is comprehensive, the responsibility is collective.
World Human Rights Day must be more than an annual ritual of reflection— it must serve as a wake-up call to the ever-pertinent cries for justice, respect and proper observance of human rights. The Nigerian example serves as a stark reminder to the world about where inadvertence can lead societies. It is nevertheless a clarion call that the respect of human rights should be a universally adopted, diligently pursued cause, without which the peace and prosperity we so aspire become a far and duplicitous dream.
This is why we align with the theme of this year’s Human Rights Day: “Freedom, Equality and Justice for All”. Sadly, this theme remains yet an unfulfilled declaration in Nigeria’s context. Human rights, rather than being upheld, appear under assault, giving a morose picture of the reality amidst a globally acclaimed commitment to fundamental rights. It is high time the Nigerian government and the international community undertook urgent steps to redress these infractions and ensure just conditions for all citizens. This is the only way to reverse Nigeria’s eroding human rights record.
The delay in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive for zero customs duty and value added tax on food imports is unacceptable and highlights a concerning lack of urgency within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Customs Service. Over two months after the announcement, the policy remains stalled, despite the President’s clear intention for immediate enforcement. This prolonged delay, especially given the policy’s temporary nature (July – December), is inexplicable and detrimental to a hoi polloi already grappling with a severe economic crisis.
While the Comptroller-General of Customs attributes the delay to the Ministry of Finance finalising details, this explanation is insufficient. The dire need for food relief demands swift action, especially in the face of soaring fuel prices, rampant inflation, and skyrocketing food costs. The President’s promise of subsidised rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag remains elusive as well, pushing many Nigerians further into hardship. Accusations of deliberate slowdowns motivated by the government’s revenue goals are alarming and warrant serious investigation.
A circular from the Presidency has clarified the approved food items eligible for duty exemption, specifically maize, millet, rice, wheat, husked brown rice, grain sorghum, and beans. This strategic move aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers and enhance food security. Previously subjected to import duties between five and 30 per cent, these commodities will now be more accessible, potentially stabilising prices in the local market.
It seems the execution of the policy is encountering obstacles due to bureaucratic processes. If the government fails to address this crisis with comprehensive and effective measures, the consequences could be catastrophic. The simmering discontent amongst Nigerians could easily boil over into widespread protests and social unrest, further destabilising an already fragile nation. Ignoring the cries of its citizens and the looming threat of social upheaval would be a grave mistake with potentially devastating ramifications.
Public officials insulated by privilege and detached from the everyday struggles of the people, have fostered a dangerous disconnect. For too long, they have failed to truly understand the harsh realities faced by the majority of Nigerians, the daily grind of poverty, the constant battle for survival, and the crushing weight of economic hardship. However, the current multifaceted crisis, with its clear manifestation of suffering, should serve as a jarring wake-up call, even to the most arrogant and out-of-touch.
The government’s ill-conceived and draconian policies, implemented without adequate consideration for the people, have created an intolerable situation that can no longer be swept under the rug or dismissed with platitudes. The widespread suffering is a stark indictment of their negligence, demanding a fundamental shift in perspective and a renewed commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
The recent #EndBadGovernance protests serve as an obvious reminder that disregarding the plight of the people is a dangerous gamble. When basic needs like food and security are unmet, and the cries for change are silenced, the simmering discontent inevitably boils over. Escalating hunger and desperation create a fertile ground for unrest, a truth tragically illustrated by the protests. If the government continues to turn a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens, more widespread and possibly violent demonstrations are not only likely, but inevitable.
Furthermore, attempting to quell dissent through intimidation and persecution of protesters is a recipe for disaster, as it only serves to further inflame tensions and breed resentment. The path to stability lies not in suppression, but in genuine engagement with the concerns of the people and a commitment to addressing the root causes of their suffering.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Olawale Edun, has a crucial role to play in improving the image of this government. Minister Edun and Customs Comptroller-General, Wale Adeniyi, must prioritise the fight against hunger by expediting the zero duty policy. This policy will allow the importation of food at a reduced cost and ease the burden on struggling families.
Officials must accord precedence to the well-being of citizens over bureaucratic processes. The current economic hardship is undeniable, and the callous indifference displayed by those in power, who seem shielded from the harsh realities ordinary Nigerians face, is deeply troubling. The government must act decisively to expedite this critical policy and provide the much-needed relief to a population struggling with hunger, poverty, and misery. Continued delay is a betrayal of Tinubu’s promise and a grim reminder of the disconnect between those in power and the suffering Nigerians.
The delay in implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive for zero customs duty and value added tax on food imports is unacceptable and highlights a concerning lack of urgency within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Nigerian Customs Service. Over two months after the announcement, the policy remains stalled, despite the President’s clear intention for immediate enforcement. This prolonged delay, especially given the policy’s temporary nature (July – December), is inexplicable and detrimental to a hoi polloi already grappling with a severe economic crisis.
While the Comptroller-General of Customs attributes the delay to the Ministry of Finance finalising details, this explanation is insufficient. The dire need for food relief demands swift action, especially in the face of soaring fuel prices, rampant inflation, and skyrocketing food costs. The President’s promise of subsidised rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag remains elusive as well, pushing many Nigerians further into hardship. Accusations of deliberate slowdowns motivated by the government’s revenue goals are alarming and warrant serious investigation.
A circular from the Presidency has clarified the approved food items eligible for duty exemption, specifically maize, millet, rice, wheat, husked brown rice, grain sorghum, and beans. This strategic move aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers and enhance food security. Previously subjected to import duties between five and 30 per cent, these commodities will now be more accessible, potentially stabilising prices in the local market.
It seems the execution of the policy is encountering obstacles due to bureaucratic processes. If the government fails to address this crisis with comprehensive and effective measures, the consequences could be catastrophic. The simmering discontent amongst Nigerians could easily boil over into widespread protests and social unrest, further destabilising an already fragile nation. Ignoring the cries of its citizens and the looming threat of social upheaval would be a grave mistake with potentially devastating ramifications.
Public officials insulated by privilege and detached from the everyday struggles of the people, have fostered a dangerous disconnect. For too long, they have failed to truly understand the harsh realities faced by the majority of Nigerians, the daily grind of poverty, the constant battle for survival, and the crushing weight of economic hardship. However, the current multifaceted crisis, with its clear manifestation of suffering, should serve as a jarring wake-up call, even to the most arrogant and out-of-touch.
The government’s ill-conceived and draconian policies, implemented without adequate consideration for the people, have created an intolerable situation that can no longer be swept under the rug or dismissed with platitudes. The widespread suffering is a stark indictment of their negligence, demanding a fundamental shift in perspective and a renewed commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people.
The recent #EndBadGovernance protests serve as an obvious reminder that disregarding the plight of the people is a dangerous gamble. When basic needs like food and security are unmet, and the cries for change are silenced, the simmering discontent inevitably boils over. Escalating hunger and desperation create a fertile ground for unrest, a truth tragically illustrated by the protests. If the government continues to turn a blind eye to the suffering of its citizens, more widespread and possibly violent demonstrations are not only likely, but inevitable.
Furthermore, attempting to quell dissent through intimidation and persecution of protesters is a recipe for disaster, as it only serves to further inflame tensions and breed resentment. The path to stability lies not in suppression, but in genuine engagement with the concerns of the people and a commitment to addressing the root causes of their suffering.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, led by Olawale Edun, has a crucial role to play in improving the image of this government. Minister Edun and Customs Comptroller-General, Wale Adeniyi, must prioritise the fight against hunger by expediting the zero duty policy. This policy will allow the importation of food at a reduced cost and ease the burden on struggling families.
Officials must accord precedence to the well-being of citizens over bureaucratic processes. The current economic hardship is undeniable, and the callous indifference displayed by those in power, who seem shielded from the harsh realities ordinary Nigerians face, is deeply troubling. The government must act decisively to expedite this critical policy and provide the much-needed relief to a population struggling with hunger, poverty, and misery. Continued delay is a betrayal of Tinubu’s promise and a grim reminder of the disconnect between those in power and the suffering Nigerians.
All looks set for the conduct of the Rivers State local government election scheduled to take place tomorrow in the 23 local government areas of the state. A total of 18 political parties will vie for various council positions in the polls to be conducted on Saturday. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had initially listed 19 political parties for the election, but the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) discontinued the contest. Chief Emeka Beke’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it will participate in the ballot.
Ahead of tomorrow’s council election, various lawsuits have resulted in conflicting rulings about how the election should be conducted. A recent judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the voters register to RSIEC and instructed the police to withdraw security for the ballot. Similarly, the court has barred RSIEC from getting the voters register from INEC. However, in a counter ruling, a High Court in Port Harcourt has mandated that the state electoral commission continues with the election, requiring INEC to hand over the voters register and ordering police protection for the event.
As voters in the state prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, the conflicting rulings and legal battles have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the election process. With INEC and RSIEC at odds over claims regarding the issuance of the voters register by the former and security arrangements for the ballot, there is a need for clarity and resolution to ensure a free and fair election. The conflicting court rulings have added further complications to an already challenging situation, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. As all stakeholders navigate these legal challenges, the focus remains on upholding the democratic principles and ensuring that voters are able to cast their ballots without interference.
Intense preparations have characterised Saturday’s polls. The election is expected to be conducted in line with the provisions of the Rivers State electoral laws. Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders, the RSIEC chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (Rtd), hinted that the commission had complied with relevant sections of the law in all its preparations for the task. He implored political parties and politicians to ignore acts that could jeopardise the electoral process.
While we wholeheartedly endorse the move to ensure that democratic practice, norms and values always prevail at the local government level, we are truly elated by the level of earnestness and commitment exhibited so far by the Justice Enebeli-led commission to conduct credible, free and fair election in the 23 local government councils. Indeed, RSIEC can execute credible elections if it resists pressures from different quarters.
Despite the Federal High Court order, the state electoral commission’s parley with security agencies, especially with the police, and other stakeholders is, to say the least, heart-warming and reassuring. We expect this cooperation and partnership to continue even after the election. Going by Enebeli’s antecedents, we strongly believe that the commission will not fail to provide a level playing ground for political parties and politicians to test their popularity in a free, fair and tension-free contest.
The state electoral body must, therefore, strive to adopt an open-door policy where complaints would be entertained on their merit during and after the election. As anticipated, we hope the commission embarked on massive voter education and training of electoral and ad hoc staff that would man the 23 local government areas. It is advised that adequate preparations should be made for the security of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials, particularly given the tensed atmosphere in the state.
RSIEC is reminded that the success or otherwise of any election depends largely on the authenticity of the updated voter’s register which the commission has reportedly obtained ahead of the election from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The news that as many as 18 political parties in the state will participate in the council polls is cheering. The parties are urged to support and cooperate with the commission in ensuring a smooth and credible election.
It is expedient that Governor Siminalayi Fubara releases all the funds appropriated for the conduct of the local government election to the commission and ensure that he does not interfere in the workings of the RSIEC, or even influence the outcome one way or the other. Members of the commission should work harder to uphold the law without fear or favour; let or hindrance.
Incidents of missing ballot or result sheets, late arrival of materials and other logistics will only serve to discourage the electorate who already entertain a deep mistrust for the electoral process in the country. The lack of confidence in the system is largely responsible for the attitude of most Nigerians refraining from playing an active role of either voting for candidates of their choice or vying for political office. RSIEC must guard against those lapses.
Politicians, on their part, must understand that irrespective of their party affiliations, the common goal is the provision of good governance for the people. An election should never be a ‘‘do or die affair’’ and no aspirant is worth spilling blood for. Political positions are a call to service, not personal enterprises motivated by profits or bloody sports for which violent and fatal competitions are means. Experience has shown that arms provided for political thugs during elections, end up being tools for robberies and kidnappings after the election.
The idea of security agents acting the script of political actors should no longer amount to something in our polity. The nation currently faces perhaps its worst security challenges, and the police as well as other security agencies need the trust of Rivers people to enable them to carry out their duties effectively throughout the polls.
Law enforcement agents must protect both voters and election materials because it is their constitutional role to do so. The recent #Endbadgovernance protest, along with the violence that ensued, is a manifestation of the dissatisfaction of Nigerians with police operations. These security agencies must learn to commit themselves to their constitutional obligation and oath in the sustenance of democracy, rather than to any government official.
We must realise that ultimate power rests with the people, and the best way to exercise this power is through the electoral process. Hence, Rivers people must own the electoral operation, first by acquiring their permanent voters’ card, turn out en masse tomorrow to vote for candidates of their choice, and guarantee that their votes count. They have to elect responsible and responsive persons whose utmost interest will be the security and welfare of the people.