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May 19, 2024
Security agencies must be held accountable for violating civil liberties—Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid
By Charles Kumolu
Mr. Andrew Mamedu is the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria. In this interview, Mamedu expresses dissatisfaction over emerging human rights violations in the country, especially the arrests of journalists.
Two cases stand out of what is generally believed to be a clampdown on human rights. Two journalists were detained by security services. What are your initial reactions?
It was deeply concerning when a journalist with FIJ was reportedly detained without due process and held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, in Lagos State. The fact that his whereabouts were unknown to his colleagues, family, and friends while he was in police detention is alarming and raises serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.
ActionAid Nigeria believes in the rule of law and the sovereignty of security agencies. However, when the arrests and detentions of journalists and media practitioners do not align with the rule of law, or clearly infringe on press freedom and human rights, it poses a significant threat to the democratic principles that Nigeria upholds. ActionAid will join forces with allies and movements to resist any attempt to silence journalists and suppress freedom of expression.
Let’s look at the merit of the cases of the two journalists. One of them made allegations which turned out to be false. The other’s issues stemmed out of investigation. What is your take?
While a journalist may have made false allegations and the other issue stemmed out of an investigative report, the approach to these cases should adhere to due process and the rule of law.
Even if errors were made, detention without proper legal procedures and respect for their rights is unacceptable. It is crucial to distinguish between genuine errors and malicious intent, and to address any grievances through legal channels rather than arbitrary detention.
When a journalist identifies issues through investigative reporting, these issues should be promptly and thoroughly examined by the relevant authorities, rather than resorting to arbitrary detention.
Arbitrary detention not only violates the rights of journalists but also undermines the integrity of the democratic process and the role of the press in holding power to account.
What is your take on the military involvement in one of the cases which is a purely civil affair?
The involvement of the military in a case that is purely civil in nature is highly inappropriate and concerning. Civil matters should be handled by civil authorities, and the use of military force in such contexts is an overreach that undermines civil liberties and the rule of law. This sets a dangerous precedent and can lead to further abuses of power.
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Security agencies must be held accountable for overstepping their boundaries and violating civil liberties. In instances like this, we expect state governors to deploy the full extent of their powers to protect their citizens. Lawmakers must not remain passive while the military confuses its role with civil affairs. This is also a crucial moment for Civil Society Organisations, and CSOs, to come together and decry such military actions to ensure they do not overstep their boundaries and for all to uphold the rule of law that protect the democratic principles that are foundational to our society.
Journalists are called upon to abide by the ethics of the profession and follow due diligence in the investigation and reporting.
This administration came into office with a promise to respect human rights. What do these cases say about the democratic credentials of the Tinubu government?
Considering the context of the electoral process that brought the current regime to power, the introduction of non-pro-poor policies, and the detention of journalists coupled with the involvement of military forces in civil affairs, it casts a shadow over the regime’s democratic credentials.
Promises to respect human rights must be evident in actions, policies, and the federal, state, and local governments’ responses to citizen outcry. However, what the nation is experiencing is a troubling departure from those commitments. It is imperative for government to reaffirm its dedication to human rights and democratic norms through concrete measures, policies and swift reaction so as to gain public trust in the regime. The President, National Assembly and the Judiciary, must be seen to ensure all the security agencies abide by the law and not allow any state official or powerful individual use the security agencies for their personal benefits.
The two journalists alleged they went through trauma. Should people be tortured for simply doing their work?
ActionAid Nigeria believes that under no circumstances should individuals be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment. Torture is a gross violation of human rights and international law. The allegations of trauma experienced by the journalists must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible held accountable.
Are you satisfied with the response of the media and the human rights community on these rights abuse?
While the media and human rights organisations have raised alarms and called for action, there is always room for stronger and more coordinated responses. Continuous advocacy and pressure are essential to ensure that such abuses do not continue. ActionAid Nigeria does not shy away from publicly speaking against human rights abuses because that is what we stand for. We always stand ready to work with allies and movements with shared values and goals to stand united in defense of press freedom and human rights.
It is also believed that the freedom the new media offers leads to what some call reckless journalism. Is there any way the new media could be regulated to ensure the ethics of journalism are adhered to?
The issues of regulating the new media or not is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, new media has democratised information dissemination, giving a platform to voices that were previously marginalised.
Thus, ActionAid Nigeria believes that the freedom offered by new media should not be curbed by overregulation. Instead, there should be a focus on promoting journalistic ethics and standards through education and self-regulation within the media community. Any regulatory measures should aim to support responsible journalism without infringing on freedom of expression.
What is your advice to the media and Nigerians generally stemming from these incidents?
Journalists should continue to adhere to ethical standards, seek the truth, and report responsibly. At the same time, Nigerians must remain vigilant and support press freedom, and recognise its critical role in democracy. CSOs are also enjoined to support in advocating for the protection of media practitioners from harassment, arbitrary detention, and violence, and the enforcement of existing laws that promote press freedom and human rights.
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