NEYGA Criticizes SERAP Following Court Ruling
The Northern Ethnic Youth Association General Assembly (NEYGA) has expressed strong disapproval of the recent ruling from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that condemned the Socio-Economic Rights and Responsibility Project (SERAP) as a “travesty.” The court mandated SERAP to pay N100 million in damages to two operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) who had been defamed by the organization.
Court Mandates Apology and Damages
In addition to the damages, the court ordered SERAP to issue a public apology, which must be published in two national newspapers and broadcast across two television stations. Following the court’s decision, SERAP responded swiftly, denouncing the ruling as a “travesty” and a detrimental move against civic freedoms in Nigeria. The NGO’s statement characterized the judgment as part of a disturbing trend under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which purportedly uses defamation laws to suppress legitimate critique and dampen accountability.
NEYGA Challenges SERAP’s Stance
In a statement released in Kaduna on Wednesday, NEYGA criticized SERAP’s remarks as “highly troubling and irresponsible,” questioning the integrity of an organization that claims to advocate for socio-economic rights. NEYGA expressed dismay at SERAP’s response to the ruling, which they viewed as an unwarranted attack on free speech. The association’s spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Mussa, condemned SERAP’s attempt to portray the judgment as a means of undermining civil liberties.
Concerns Over Hypocrisy in Advocacy
NEYGA further accused SERAP of hypocrisy, noting its tendency to hold others accountable while avoiding scrutiny itself. They pointed to a recent immunity order granted by the Federal High Court against the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as an example of SERAP’s inconsistent stance on accountability. The group emphasized that the socio-economic rights championed by SERAP are not solely the domain of NGOs but belong to all citizens, as highlighted by Justice Khalil Yusuf in his ruling.
NEYGA Calls for Civil Dialogue
The association lamented SERAP’s characterization of the High Court decision as a “travesty,” suggesting that it reflects an inability to accept unfavorable outcomes. NEYGA advised SERAP to engage in more civil discourse, comparing this situation to the historic progress made by the DSS officers, who have taken legal action rather than resorting to self-help. This shift demonstrates an evolving understanding of rights among security personnel in Nigeria.
Recognition of DSS Leadership
NEYGA commended the Director General of DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for allowing the two operatives to pursue legal redress. They praised this action as a significant move towards empowering individuals to defend their rights through the judicial system. NEYGA believes that this initiative will enhance jurisprudence in Nigeria and encourage other security agencies to recognize their rights in the face of potential consequences.
Implications for Civic Engagement in Nigeria
The actions of the DSS leadership are positioned as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s legal landscape, signaling that all citizens, including security personnel, deserve protection under the law. NEYGA’s declaration reinforces the notion that promoting socio-economic rights involves collaboration and accountability devoid of double standards. This episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free speech and responsible advocacy within Nigeria’s civic environment.
