An international human rights organization, Global Rights, published a report on January 13, 2024, highlighting concerns about the previous administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The report, titled “Shege! A Scorecard on the Buhari Administration’s Impact on Nigeria’s Civic Space,” shed light on a decline in civic space and basic freedoms during his eight-year term.
Global Rights pointed out a worrisome relationship with the media, strained connections with civil society organizations, and efforts to control access to information and limit freedom of expression.
The report also disclosed legislative attempts that, if enacted, would position Nigeria as one of the most repressive democracies globally.
Tragically, the report documented at least 69 protesters killed and approximately 250 protesters, along with 189 journalists, arrested, detained, or harassed during Buhari’s administration.
Quest Times further reports that the organization expressed concern over the government’s interference in the activities of civil society organizations, citing at least four instances.
In response to the report, the former President’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, declined to comment, redirecting inquiries to the former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, who could not be reached for a statement.
Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, commented on the report, emphasizing numerous unlawful arrests and detentions of journalists and civil society activists during Buhari’s tenure.
“Under Buhari, there were a lot of unlawful arrests and detentions of journalists and civil society activists,” he noted.
Rafsanjani urged caution, highlighting the atrocities against the Shiite community and the introduction of legal frameworks to stifle civil society.