A citizen call for urgent legislative action to protect electoral integrity and address shrinking civic space
December 16, 2019
Senator Godiya Akwashiki
The Senate
National Assembly
Abuja
Dear Senator Akwashiki,
A call for urgent legislative action to protect electoral integrity and address shrinking civic space
Since the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly, we, the undersigned civil society organizations, note a commitment on the part of legislators to use the instrumentality of legislative governance to address the myriad of challenges threatening Nigeria’s national growth and development, such as insecurity, poor economic growth, poverty, weak institutions, and corruption. This commitment is exemplified in the issues articulated in the legislative agendas of both chambers of the National Assembly, and by recent legislative actions on issues of national importance. The cordial relationship between the 9th National Assembly and the executive presents a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of passing high impact legislations that reflects the will of the Nigerian people, expands the democratic space, and fosters national cohesion.
As representatives of the people, we wish to express our deep concern with the following issues that could potentially imperil our two decades of democracy, if not addressed through legislative actions:
- Flawed elections and electoral violence
While we appreciate the gains thus far in reforming the nation’s electoral process, citizen observation efforts during the recent elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States documented a decline in the quality and integrity of elections due to the high level of electoral manipulation, a deepening culture of impunity, and violence resulting in loss of innocent lives. Further legislative action is required to improve the nation’s electoral system and process to build citizens’ confidence and trust in the process. We fear that if urgent steps are not taken to fix identified areas in need of reform, we risk the prospect of reversing the gains of twenty years of democratic practice in the country.
- Shrinking space for civic engagement
The National Assembly is currently considering several pieces of legislation that threaten constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people, including freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly and association. This has created an atmosphere of fear and apprehension, thereby undermining the capacity of citizens to effectively engage in the democratic and governance process. Bills like the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill (‘Social Media Bill’), Independent National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches Bill (‘Hate Speech Bill’), and NGO Regulation Bill, each containing provisions that undermine citizens’ constitutional rights, as noted earlier, and taints our democratic credentials.
- Assault on press freedom and civic advocacy
The deluge of illegal arrests of journalists and civic activists, as well as the unlawful and coordinated attacks and assault against journalists and media organizations by state institutions undermines the media as vanguards of transparency and accountability.
As a legislator in the 9th Assembly, history beckons on you to salvage our democracy through bills, motions, and legislative advocacy to:
- Intensify pressure on the leadership of the National Assembly and your esteemed colleagues in the Assembly to accelerate the processes of further amendments to the electoral legal framework to protect the integrity of elections, strengthen electoral institutions, and safeguard citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
- Expand the civic and democratic space by upholding constitutional rights and halting further consideration of legislation like the NGO, Social Media, and Hate Speech Bills that restrict essential freedoms guaranteed to all Nigerians under the constitution.
- Increase protection of journalists and media organizations, as well as secure the release of journalists and civic activists who are currently detained, unlawfully, by various security agencies.
As civil society groups committed to the Nigerian project, be assured of our solidarity and support as we work together to protect our democracy for our common good.
Signed:
Organizations
- Say No Campaign Nigeria
- YIAGA AFRICA
- Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa
- Partners for Electoral Reforms
- Transition Monitoring Group, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center
- Dorothy Njemanze Foundation
- Haly Hope Foundation
- FEMBUD
- Lawyers Alert
- Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism
- Education as a Vaccine
- TechHer
- Raising New Voices Initiative
- To Build A Nation
- Dinidari Foundation
- Abuja Discourse
- Stand to End Rape Initiative
- Girl Child Africa
- Sterling Centre for Law & Development
- JENNON-PIUS &Co
- Nigeria sex works Association (NSWA)
- Centre for Impact Advocacy (CiA)
- Rule of Law Development Foundation
- Adopt A Goal For Development Initiative
- Concerned Nigerians
- Free Nigeria Movement
- Global Rights
- Positive Youth Transformation Initiative
- Centre for Human Advocacy Networking Governance and Empowerment (CHANGE)
- Sulhu Development Initiative
- Me Africa Advocacy Group (MAAG)
- New Century Initiative
- Golden Star Development Initiative
- The Special Breeds Development Initiative
- YoungCare Initiative for Development.
- DIG Foundation
- Brain Builders International
- Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development Africa (CepasdAfrica)
- Moral-Worth Foundation
- Society for Arewa Development
- Project 313
- Side Pocket Youth Initiative (SPYI)
- Rural Integrated Development Initiative
- American Space-Bauchi
- Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Development Initiative
- Youth Entrepreneurship Support Hub (YesHub)
Individuals
- Dorothy Njemanze
- Priye Diri
- Apolmida Haruna Tsammani
- Nana Nwachukwu
- Bukky Shonibare
- Toyin Akinniyi
- Akubeze Okocha
- Augusta Yaakugh
- Ariyo-Dare ATOYE
- Comrade Deji Adeyanju
- Nneka Egbuna
- Adebayo Raphael
