The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) over its letter to X (formerly Twitter) demanding the deactivation of a post by human rights activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. SERAP warned that the DSS's action threatens human rights and undermines freedom of expression in Nigeria.
Background of the Issue
The DSS alleged that Sowore's post constituted hate speech, cybercrime, and incitement to violence against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The post in question criticized President Tinubu's claim of zero corruption under his regime, with Sowore stating, “This criminal @officialABAT actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”
SERAP's Position
SERAP emphasized that the DSS's action seems to be a replay of the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The organization cited the ECOWAS Court of Justice's ruling that access to Twitter is a fundamental human right and declared the suspension of Twitter by the Buhari administration unlawful.
*Key Points from SERAP's Statement:*
- *Freedom of Expression*: SERAP stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
- *Unlawful Action*: The DSS's action is seen as unlawful and inconsistent with Nigeria's obligations under international law.
- *Threat to Human Rights*: SERAP warned that the DSS's action threatens human rights and undermines freedom of expression in Nigeria.
- *Court Action*: SERAP threatened to take the administration to court if the threat to ban X (formerly Twitter) is not immediately withdrawn.
Conclusion
SERAP's warning highlights the importance of protecting human rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria. The organization's stance emphasizes the need for the government to respect and uphold the rights of citizens to express themselves freely, both online and offline. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to SERAP's warning and the potential implications for freedom of expression in Nigeria ¹.
