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ABUJA, Nigeria - Amnesty International Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to urgently enact laws that safeguard and advance human rights in the nation, as worries escalate over repression, insecurity, and the diminishing civic space.
At the organization’s inaugural membership Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Friday, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, voiced alarm about the worsening human rights situation and ongoing abuses across Nigeria.
“Freedom of expression is increasingly under threat. Journalists, human rights defenders, and digital activists face regular harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention merely for exercising their right to free speech.
“The right to peaceful assembly is also facing sustained attacks,” Rafsanjani remarked.
He emphasized that although civil society continues to campaign for reforms, it is incumbent upon the National Assembly to create a comprehensive legislative framework that not only safeguards citizens’ rights but also rectifies longstanding deficiencies in Nigeria’s human rights system.
“We urge the National Assembly to establish a legislative framework that enhances human rights protections and addresses current shortcomings,” he asserted.
Rafsanjani further revealed intentions for deeper collaboration with Amnesty International Ghana and other West African branches to bolster regional advocacy, especially through ECOWAS.
“This landmark AGM serves as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and proactive measures.
“We are dedicated to ensuring our efforts are aligned with the realities of Nigeria’s human rights landscape while fostering change throughout the region,” he stated.
During his address, the organization’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, urged the government to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens.
“Our expectation from the government is straightforward: obey the Constitution, adhere to Nigerian and international laws, and safeguard human rights.
“It is not our responsibility to defend human rights; that obligation falls to the government.
“Nevertheless, we will persist in holding them accountable,” Sanusi asserted. Sanusi criticized the government’s performance, drawing comparisons to previous administrations.
He stated, “We continue to witness police brutality, unlawful killings, and increasing insecurity. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Nigerians have perished in the last one to two years. Conditions are not improving.
“We remain hopeful. “We believe improvements are possible and necessary, but only if those in power choose to act responsibly and uphold the rule of law.”
