#EndBadGovernance Protests: Human Rights Organisations Oppose Internet Disruption

A coalition of human rights organisations, known as the e-RIGHTS Project, has expressed concern about internet disruptions in Nigeria as a result of recent protests against high living costs.

The coalition claimed that by deliberately disrupting internet services, the Nigerian government effectively silences citizens, limiting their ability to access information, engage in public discourse, and exercise their civic rights.

Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), issued a statement condemning any form of internet disruption, shutdown, or suppression of dissent.

He urged the federal government to end all forms of internet disruptions and protect its citizens’ constitutional rights.

According to him, the e-RIGHTS project, which is being implemented by CITAD, Spaces for Change (S4C), and Lawyers Without Borders, aims to improve Nigeria’s digital rights.

The statement states that “Nigeria is a signatory to several regional and international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“These instruments protect the rights to free expression, assembly, and association.

“Domestically, these fundamental freedoms are enshrined in Chapter Four of Nigeria’s Constitution. The internet has become an essential tool for exercising these rights in the twenty-first century.

“We join civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria in opposing any form of internet disruption, shutdown, or suppression of dissent. We urge the Nigerian government to end all internet disruptions and protect its citizens’ constitutional rights.

“This act is not unprecedented; however, the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s ruling against Nigeria following the Twitter ban establishes a significant precedent, emphasising the unconstitutionality of these actions. The Court’s decision stated that such bans and disruptions are illegal and violate the rights to free expression and access to information.