RULAAC Urges govts to halt criminalization of dissent and policies that shrink civil freedom

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RULAAC Urges govts to halt criminalization of dissent and policies that shrink civil freedom .


By Nkiru Nwagbo 



COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE DIALOGUE SESSION ON “VOICES UNCHAINED: A JOURNEY THROUGH CIVIC SPACE IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA” HELD ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025, AT HILTON LEISURE HOTEL, AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE


The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), with the support of the Fund for Global Human Rights through the Action Group on Free Civic Space, convened a one-day dialogue session with the theme: “Voices Unchained – A Journey Through Civic Space in Southeast Nigeria.”



The session brought together stakeholders from civil society, academia, media, the legal community, security institutions, youth groups, religious leaders, community representatives, and victims of civic space violations.



The dialogue provided a platform to reflect on the state of civic freedoms in the Southeast, share 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.



OBSERVATIONS:
Participants at the dialogue noted with deep concern: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.Police and security high-handedness, including detention in non-designated facilities such as local government Secretariat and vigilante offices.



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.

Judicial weaknesses, including slow trials, corruption, denial of bail, and overcrowded custodial centres holding young people arrested for petty offenses.



Suppression of student voices through imposition of unelected student union leaders in tertiary institutions.The conspicuous silence of political leaders in Southeast Nigeria on civic space violations.

Growing fear, self-censorship, and disillusionment among citizens, caused by repeated violations without accountability.

RESOLUTIONS: 
After extensive deliberations, participants resolved to:

Defend Constitutional Rights: Reaffirm that rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association are non-negotiable and must be upheld by all authorities.


Demand Accountability: Call on security agencies to end arbitrary arrests, torture, and unlawful detentions, and ensure prosecution of officers and vigilante operatives found guilty of abuses.

Judicial Reforms: Advocate for speedy trials, bail enforcement, and pro bono legal aid to protect vulnerable citizens.

Legislative Action: Urge the National Assembly to review the Cybercrimes Act and other laws used to shrink civic space.

Community Engagement: Partner with traditional, religious, and community leaders to end mob justice and promote civic education.

Youth and Student Rights: Demand the restoration of democratic student unionism and create safe spaces for youth voices in governance and peacebuilding.

Media Freedom: Encourage journalists to resist censorship, report civic violations fearlessly, and strengthen solidarity against attacks.

Civil Society Mobilisation: Build stronger regional alliances to monitor, document, and respond to civic space violations. 

International Partnership: Appeal to the global community to support local defenders with resources, visibility, and diplomatic pressure on government to respect civic freedoms.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Participants recommend that:Federal and state governments immediately halt the criminalisation of dissent and adopt policies that expand rather than shrink civic freedoms.

Security agencies adopt rights-based policing, respect court orders, and undergo regular human rights training.

Traditional and Religious Leaders 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.

CLOSING
Participants reaffirmed that civic space is not a privilege but a fundamental constitutional right and a cornerstone of democracy. They resolved to work together to “unchain voices” in the Southeast and transform the outcomes of the dialogue into concrete advocacy and action.

Issued this 21st day of August, 2025, at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Awka, Anambra State.Signed:Chairman: Prof. C. Jaja Nwanegbo

CSO Rep.: OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu 
 Media Rep.: Ofoma Kenechukwu

Legal Rep.: Okite Chukwuemeka Onyeka 

Community Rep.: Glory Okoli

Women Rep.: Nneka E. Ikeh (Mrs.) 

Youth Rep.: Egwuatu Uchenna 

 For and on behalf of participants.

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