Amnesty International has expressed deep concern regarding the perceived stagnation in human rights advancements under Bola Tinubu’s government.
This was contained in a statement by the organization.
On the occasion of this year’s Human Rights Day, Isa Sanusi, the organization’s Country Director in Nigeria, voiced apprehensions over the administration’s failure to address past human rights violations and its insufficient response to ongoing abuses.
During an exclusive interview with DW Hausa, Sanusi criticized the government’s reliance on issuing statements as a response to such incidents.
He characterized this approach as a mere echo of the previous administration’s ineffective strategies.
The Country Director stressed the urgent need for concrete actions, emphasizing that merely issuing statements falls short of the necessary commitment to addressing human rights concerns.
He said, “Honestly, there is no light; it is rather fear. Firstly, the current administration hasn’t shown any commitment to investigating past human rights abuses.
“Secondly, at the start of this administration, at least 200 people were killed, the government’s response to human rights violations under the current president mirrors the lackluster approach of the previous administration, relying solely on issuing statements. This lack of action fuels my pessimism regarding any meaningful progress.”
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Sanusi added that Nigeria’s history carries the burden of human rights violations, spanning from colonial rule to the Biafra War, with an upward trend in such violations.
He added, “Many people fail to take legal action when their rights are violated. While seeking justice can be difficult and resource-intensive, it’s crucial to remember that we are ultimately responsible for fighting for our own rights, no one else will do it for us.
“It’s essential to stand up for ourselves. When a police officer or soldier abuses you, pursue all legal avenues to seek justice. Similarly, if a community’s rights are violated, the villagers should unite and seek legal action. Silence and the belief that justice is divine intervention embolden perpetrators. We must not allow this to continue.
“If someone goes to a village and kills 100 people, it’s imperative for the affected community to collectively approach the government house and demand justice. They should remain in the house until those responsible are held accountable.”