The organisation urged Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to invoke the Commonwealth Charter to ensure accountability.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for immediate international action against the Nigerian authorities following reports of attacks on journalists covering the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The organisation urged Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to invoke the Commonwealth Charter to ensure accountability.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, in a statement on Saturday emphasised the critical situation: “The targeting of journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.”
The organization further highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation, saying, “We urge Ms. Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently, and effectively investigate reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests.”
SERAP stressed the importance of media freedom and the protection of journalists, urging the Commonwealth to ensure the publication of investigation outcomes.
“Those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes,” added Oluwadare.
The appeal was also copied to António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions,” the document read.
Reports indicate severe incidents where security agents reportedly tear-gassed and shot at journalists and peaceful protesters.
“According to reports, bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location at three different locations in Abuja,” the appeal highlighted.
SERAP’s appeal calls for the immediate and unconditional release of any detained peaceful protesters and journalists.
“Any peaceful protesters and journalists detained solely because of their exercise of the right to peaceful protest should be immediately and unconditionally released,” SERAP urged.
The organization also pointed out the need for adequate compensation for damaged equipment and stressed that even if an assembly is declared unlawful, journalists retain their right to monitor protests.
“Nigerian authorities have a legal obligation to adequately compensate journalists for any damaged equipment,” the appeal noted.
SERAP therefore emphasised the Commonwealth’s role in upholding human rights and media freedom in Nigeria.
“The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, media freedom, and peaceful assembly in Nigeria,” Oluwadare affirmed.
