In a sickening and disheartening display of authoritarian madness, agents from the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday, and harassed and intimidated its staff. This brazen act of lawlessness came after the watchdog group called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the hike in fuel prices as well as an independent investigation of corruption and $6 billion debt in the NNPC. The invasion is not just an attack on one organization but an attack on the foundations of democracy itself. Civil society organizations like SERAP play a critical role in holding the government accountable, and are an essential part of the democratic ecosystem, providing a counterbalance to the often-unchecked power of the state. For the DSS to invade such a space sends a chilling message to other civic groups: dissent will not be tolerated under President Tinubu, a man once hailed as a crusader for freedom and democratic principles. The invasion of SERAP’s office marks a dangerous escalation in the crackdown on dissent and civil society, undermining the very democratic values that Tinubu once championed during his opposition to previous autocratic regimes.
SERAP, a prominent watchdog organization, has long been a vocal advocate for transparency, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria. Its relentless pursuit of justice and accountability has made it a thorn on the side of corrupt politicians and government officials. Rather than applauding their efforts to protect public funds and ensure the rule of law, Tinubu has chosen to silence them. President Tinubu, who once fought against military dictatorship and championed human rights, cannot claim ignorance of these actions. This act of brigandage signals a descent into authoritarianism that Nigerians have long feared. It shows a government willing to use its security apparatus to intimidate and silence critics, rather than engage in dialogue or address the concerns raised by civil society.
The intimidation of SERAP officers by DSS elements is particularly disturbing. Following the raid, SERAP in a statement by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged Tinubu to end the intimidation and harassment, and threat of arrest of SERAP officials, as this amounts to a “brutal assault on the entire human rights community in the country. The escalating crackdown on human rights, and harassment and intimidation of NGOs and human rights defenders that have shown astonishing courage in their human rights work, hurt those most in need, undermine access of Nigerian victims of human rights violations and abuses to justice, and contribute to a culture of impunity of perpetrators.” SERAP vowed that it would not be silenced and promised to continue exposing and seeking redress for human rights violations in Nigeria.
What makes this situation even more tragic is the hypocrisy of it all. Tinubu, who was once a vocal opponent of the autocratic tendencies of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, now finds himself presiding over a government that employs the same repressive tactics. During the Jonathan administration, Tinubu and his APC co-travelers were quick to condemn the use of security forces to suppress dissent. Now, under his own leadership, the same methods are being employed, if not worse. Such actions are not only illegal but fundamentally undermine the rule of law. Intimidation as a tool of governance is a hallmark of despotic regimes, not democratic governments. Tinubu promised a new era of governance, one based on accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Yet, the invasion of SERAP’s office betrays those promises. It reveals a government more concerned with protecting its own interests than with safeguarding the rights of its citizens. Such hypocrisy cannot go unchallenged.
It is important to note that SERAP has been one of the leading voices advocating for transparency in government spending, accountability in governance, and the protection of human rights. Their work has exposed corruption, misuse of public funds, and violations of human rights by various administrations. It is therefore no coincidence that they have become a target. By attacking SERAP, the government is sending a clear message: it will not tolerate anyone who dares to shine a light on its darker dealings.
The implications of this invasion go far beyond SERAP. If a prominent organization like SERAP can be targeted so brazenly, what hope is there for smaller civil society groups? The fear is that this will create a chilling effect, where other organizations may begin to self-censor or limit their activities out of fear of reprisal. This, in turn, will weaken Nigeria’s civil society, reducing the checks on government power and making it easier for corruption and abuses of power to go unchallenged.
Moreover, this attack undermines Nigeria’s international standing. The country has often portrayed itself as a leading democracy in Africa, a beacon of hope for other nations on the continent. But actions like this blight the toga of that reputation and betray Nigeria as a country with highly dysfunctional institutions where bizarre things can happen. The international community is watching, and they will not remain silent in the face of such blatant disregard for democratic norms. President Tinubu must act swiftly to address this growing crisis. He must publicly condemn the actions of the DSS and take immediate steps to hold those responsible accountable. The continued harassment of civil society organizations cannot be allowed to stand. If Tinubu is serious about his commitment to democracy and the rule of law, he must demonstrate it by ensuring that agencies like the DSS do not operate with impunity. Furthermore, the government must reaffirm its commitment to protecting the rights of civil society organizations. It must engage with groups like SERAP, not as enemies, but as partners in the shared goal of building a better Nigeria. There is still time for Tinubu to reverse this dangerous slide into authoritarianism, but the window is closing quickly.
The invasion of SERAP’s office and the intimidation of its staff mark a dark chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey. But it is not too late to change course. Civil society must be defended at all costs, for it is the cornerstone of any healthy democracy. The Nigerian government must understand that dissent is not a threat to be crushed but a vital part of the democratic process. The world is watching. If Tinubu allows this attack on civil society to go unpunished, he will forever tarnish his legacy as a champion of democracy. Now is the time for him to act, to show that he is still the defender of the people’s rights that he once claimed to be. Nigerians will not be intimidated, and neither should civil society. Together, they must stand against this encroaching streak of authoritarian madness and fight for the democracy that so many paid the ultimate sacrifice to build. We owe it to the past, and more importantly, we owe it to the future.
