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Crack down on journalists, activists affecting Nigeria’s image — US lawmakers write FG

 

Some lawmakers in the United States have expressed concern over the
“clamp down” on journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) in
Nigeria.
In a letter dated November 25 and addressed to Sylvanus Nsofor,
Nigeria’s ambassador to the US, the lawmakers said the arrest of
journalists and “harassment of peaceful protesters” are beginning to
negatively impact the image of government.
“We write to express strong concern about closing media and civic
space in Nigeria,” read the letter signed by Robert Menedez, a senator
from New Jersey and Josh Gotheimer, a member of congress.
“There have been a number of troubling reports about Nigerian security
services assaulting and detaining journalists, using excessive force
on non-violent protesters and taking other actions that inhibit
freedom of expression, and otherwise prevent Nigerians from fully
exercising their fundamental constitutional rights.
“Journalists and activists such as Omoyele Sowore, Jones Abiri, Kofi
Bartels, Samuel Ogundipe, and others investigating and speaking-out
about politically sensitive problems like corruption or insecurity
have been harassed and detained; with reports that some have even been
tortured.
“In the least one instance, the Department of Security Services has
ignored a court order to release a detained activist. Restrictions and
deadly crackdowns on non-violent protests since 2015 have similarly
reflected a lack of apparent commitment to civic freedom which is
beginning to negatively impact the image of Nigeria’s government, both
at home and abroad.”
The US lawmakers said Nigeria has a critical role to play in
preserving peace and stability in West Africa, and as the most
populous democracy on the continent, it could serve as a shining
example of how countries can best observe the rights enshrined in the
African charter on human and people’s rights.
“Failure to respect the rights in the charter and those in the
Nigeria’s constitution, the congress said undermines the country’s
ability to lead in the area,” the letter read.
“We urge you to ensure that the rights and liberties contained in the
constitution are observed for all citizens, and to take strong action
against further closing space for journalists, political opposition,
and those in civil society.”
The lawmakers added that they will look forward to seeing progress “on
this critically important issue.”
Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow Movement, was arrested in August
over his planned nationwide protest.

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