The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Federal Government of intensifying attacks on freedom of expression and civic engagement, warning that Nigeria is gradually drifting toward authoritarianism under the current administration.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the pro-democracy group condemned what it described as the growing use of security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Police, to intimidate critics, suppress dissent and criminalise opposing voices.
HURIWA specifically condemned the arrest and prosecution of activists such as Omoyele Sowore and Mark Chidiebere, describing their ordeals as politically motivated and unconstitutional.
The group described Chidiebere, who was reportedly arrested over comments regarding the feeding and welfare of troops fighting insurgency, as a “prisoner of conscience,” insisting that concerns over troop welfare had previously been raised publicly by serving and retired military personnel.
According to HURIWA, rather than addressing allegations surrounding the welfare conditions of troops operating in conflict zones, security agencies had chosen to expend public resources targeting citizens for expressing critical opinions.
The organisation questioned the level of spending on feeding and welfare within the Presidency and other top government offices, while urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cut what it called “bloated feeding budgets” attached to Aso Rock and redirect a significant portion toward improving the welfare, feeding, medical support and operational conditions of troops battling terrorists and bandits.
“It is morally indefensible for politicians to feast while soldiers bleed,” the statement said.
HURIWA further alleged that increasing executive influence over public institutions, including sections of the judiciary, was contributing to politically motivated prosecutions and weakening constitutional freedoms.
The group warned that the atmosphere of fear, intimidation and abuse of power under the current administration was becoming “disturbingly reminiscent” of some of the darkest periods of military rule in Nigeria.
It also called on the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, European Union and global human rights organisations, to closely monitor the human rights situation in Nigeria and place pressure on authorities to respect democratic principles and constitutional rights.
HURIWA demanded the immediate and unconditional release of detained activists, an end to politically motivated prosecutions, respect for freedom of speech and association, as well as independent investigations into alleged abuses by security agencies.