*frown at misuse of Cybercrimes Act By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu Participants at a one day dialogue on rights of the citizens and
*frown at misuse of Cybercrimes Act
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Participants at a one day dialogue on rights of the citizens and Reflection on the state of civic freedoms in South- East Region Nigeria organized by a Civil society organization, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), in Awka, has raised concerns over the alarming rate of arbitrary arrests, torture, and unlawful detentions by state and non state actors in the zone.
They urged security organizations to end such unlawful acts and ensure the prosecution of officers and vigilante operatives found guilty of such abuses.
The event, with the theme, “Voices Unchained –A Journey Through Civic Space in Southeast Nigeria, “with the support of the Fund for Global Human Rights through the Action Group on Free Civic Space, was convened by Comrade Okechukwu Nwanguma-led RULAAC, for stakeholders from civil society, academia, media, the legal community, security institutions, youth groups, religious leaders, community representatives, and victims of civic space violations to reflect on the state of civic freedoms in the Southeast.
It equally provided the participants drawn from the states of South East the platform of sharing personal testimonies of abuse, and chart collective pathways for protecting the right to free expression, peaceful assembly, and association in line with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.
A communique issued at the end of the programme and made available to newsmen at the weekend, noted with “deep concern the Persistent abuses of free speech and civic expression, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, torture, and harassment of journalists, activists, students, and citizens by state and non-state actors in the region.
“Police and security high-handedness, including detention in non-designated facilities such as local government secretariats and vigilante offices” also calls for worry they declared
The residents also frowned at the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act and other ambiguous laws to stifle online expression. Mob justice and vigilante abuses, leading to extrajudicial killings, such as the Uratta incident in Imo State in May 2025, where village youths tortured a 20-old boy to death over missing power bank”
They equally complained about, “Judicial weaknesses, including slow trials, corruption, denial of bail, and overcrowded custodial centres holding young people arrested for petty offenses” which they said, also need to be addressed.
“Suppression of student voices through imposition of unelected student union leaders in tertiary institutions.
“The conspicuous silence of political leaders in South East Nigeria on civic space violations. Growing fear, self-censorship, and disillusionment among citizens, caused by repeated violations without accountability.
“After extensive deliberations, the participants resolved to Defend Constitutional Rights of the people, Reaffirm that rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association are non-negotiable and must be upheld by all authorities”
” They advocate for speedy trials, bail enforcement, and pro bono legal aid to protect vulnerable citizens, urging the National Assembly to review the Cybercrimes Act and other laws used to shrink civic space.
“The participants also resolved to Partner with traditional, religious, and community leaders to end mob justice and promote civic education.
“They demand the restoration of democratic student unionism and create safe spaces for youth voices in governance and peace building,” the communique said.
On the issue of media freedom, the participants encouraged journalists to resist censorship, report civic violations fearlessly, and strengthen solidarity against attacks, just as they agreed to build stronger regional alliances to monitor, document, and respond to civic space violations.
The communique appealed to the global community to support local defenders with resources, visibility, and diplomatic pressure on government to respect civic freedoms.
They recommended that the federal and state governments immediately halt the criminalisation of dissent and adopt policies that expand rather than shrink civic freedoms”
“Security agencies should adopt rights-based policing, respect court orders, and undergo regular human rights training.
“Traditional and Religious Leaders should also use their influence to discourage mob violence and promote peaceful engagement.
“The judiciary assert its independence and prioritise justice in rights-related cases.Civil society and media sustain civic education campaigns and amplify the voices of victims of violations”
The participants reaffirmed that civic space is not a privilege but a fundamental constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy.
They however, resolved to work together to “unchain voices” in the Southeast and transform the outcomes of the dialogue into concrete advocacy and action.
The communique was signed by the Chairman of the event, Prof. Jaja Nwanegbo, representative of the Civil Society organization, CSO OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu, Ofoma Kenechukwu, representing the media, Okite Chukwuemeka Onyeka, representing the legal profession, amongst other signatories.
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