The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization committed to promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance, has strongly condemns the Department of State Services’ (DSS) reported directive to arrest activist Omoyele Sowore, upon his return to Nigeria. This action, as revealed by a leaked DSS memo, constitutes a brazen violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression, movement, and peaceful assembly.
Recall that the leaked memo, obtained by SaharaReporters, indicates that the new DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, has placed Sowore on a security watchlist for his role in recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The directive reportedly calls for Sowore’s arrest upon arrival in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the arbitrary use of state security apparatus to suppress dissent and stifle activism.
HEDA Resource Centre in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, unequivocally condemns any attempt to intimidate or harass activists and citizens who are exercising their legitimate rights to protest and call for accountability in governance.
According to Suraju, the planned arrest or placement on security watchlist of Mr. Sowore, a known critic of government policies and a vocal advocate for social justice, without any prior invitation would represent a direct attack on democratic principles and the civic space in Nigeria.
The statement reads, “We remind the DSS and other security agencies that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and movement, and any action that undermines these fundamental rights is unlawful and unacceptable. The use of state power to silence critics is a dangerous venture that threatens Nigeria’s democracy and undermines public confidence in the government and country’s institutions.”
“We call on the DSS to immediately withdraw any directives targeting Omoyele Sowore and to refrain from using security agencies as tools for political repression. Rather than focusing on arresting peaceful protesters, the DSS should channel its resources towards addressing the rising insecurity that has plagued the nation and the safety and security of all Nigerians.”
Suraju further urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate respect for human rights and uphold the rule of law by ensuring that security agencies act within the bounds of their legal mandate. Any form of unlawful arrest or detention will only serve to escalate tensions and undermine efforts to build a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore and all Nigerian citizens who continue to speak truth to power in the face of intimidation. HEDA remains committed to defending the rights of all individuals to express their views freely and peacefully without fear of persecution.