SERAP warns FG against attacks on AI
Advocacy group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that no harm is done to Amnesty International, (AI), Office in Nigeria and its staff.
The group warned that Nigerian authorities would be held to account should AI office in Nigeria and its staff come under attack.
SERAP called on the President, Muhammadu Buhari to “speak out strongly against intimidation and harassment of Amnesty International office in Nigeria and its staff”.
The group in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oludare, said, “we condemn purported ‘ultimatum’ and threats of violence against Amnesty International in Nigeria by apparently pro-government groups and call on Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to end the harassment and intimidation against the group and ensure the safety and security of its staff.
“We will hold authorities to account including through international legal action, if they fail to rein in these groups and stop increasing and apparently sponsored attacks, intimidation, harassment and threat against Amnesty International office in Nigeria and its staff.
“Any failure to hold to account those who are responsible for the threats will invariably increase the vulnerability of civil society in the country and strengthen the perception that threats against NGO’s and Human rights workers can happen with impunity”.
SERAP demanded an investigation of the persons behind the harassment of AI and its staff.
“It said, “Naming and shaming the sponsors and bringing them to justice will send a powerful message of protection and support for civil society groups who stand up to speak truth to power”.