Civil Society for Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and 24 others civil society organisations on Thursday condemned attacks and threats to Amnesty International to leave Nigeria, describing it as malicious.
In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the organisations said that the “unpatriotic’’ threats were a “breach of peace, lack of patriotism and absolute disregard for fundamental democratic values and principles of good governance.”
According to them, the malicious group has persisted in threatening and issuing unjustified ultimatum to Amnesty International Nigeria to vacate the country.
They reiterated that no responsible individual, group or government would disparage the protection of the rights of vulnerable individuals or groups.
The CSOs said that they found it worrisome that rather than extend sincere support and solidarity to Amnesty International in complementing the activities of credible civil society groups to enhance democratic values in the country.
“This unidentifiable mischievous group continues to engage in empty threats – a ridiculous attempt to frustrate efforts to protect human rights and suppress civil society activities ostensibly to hamper the recurring demand for good governance.
“We are disturbed but not surprised at such clearly sponsored malicious moves by some individuals, hands gloved by an undemocratic group, to divert the attention of Amnesty International Nigeria.
“It is also against other credible civil society groups from their progressive struggles to dig deep and uproot the persistent human rights abuses and violations in the country.”
The organisations said that ongoing attack on Amnesty International was a glaring endorsement of its stellar strides in the protection of human rights.
They said that it was a pointer that their impactful work must be supported and sustained by all well-meaning Nigerians to enhance the rule of law, social equity and justice.
The group called on the government to ensure adequate protection for the operatives and facilities of Amnesty International Nigeria that were currently under “vicious and persistent threats’’.
The coalition pointed out that Amnesty International was a registered organisation that possessed legal operational rights and mandate to protect and defend rights of the citizens irrespective of their socio-economic, ethno-religious and political backgrounds. (NAN)