#EndSARS: SERAP Asks Commonwealth to Sanction Nigeria Over Attacks on Protesters

• Author
• Recent Posts

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu is an established writer at africannewstoday.com. He is passionate about African affairs. He loves writing about interesting facts relating to the African continent and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

Latest posts by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu (see all)

• Burna Boy’s Police Escorts Shoot Married Man After Singer Made Pass At Wife - June 12, 2022
• I’m Ashamed Of Ohanaeze, No Longer Believe In Body – Umahi Attacks Obiozor - June 12, 2022
• June 12: President Buhari’s Democracy Day Speech - June 12, 2022

Socio-Economic and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, to hold Nigerian authorities to account for persistent attacks on protesters demanding for an end to SARS.

The group criticised many reports of human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria by security operatives.

This was disclosed in a letter to Scotland by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director who asked for suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth as a measure to induce the government to respect the values of human rights, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, Vanguard reports.

According to the letter, SERAP said, “A government that attacks its own citizens for peaceful protests severely undermines its credibility as a democratic regime that respects human rights and the rule of law.”

SERAP added, “Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth ought to make clear that respect for human rights, transparency and the rule of law is fundamental to the integrity, functioning and effectiveness of its institutions.
“The ongoing events in Nigeria demonstrate the authorities’ determination to suppress all forms of peaceful dissent and freedom of expression of the Nigerian people. There are well-founded fears that the human rights situation in Nigeria will deteriorate even further if urgent action is not taken to address it.

“According to our information, the Nigerian government has continued to crackdown on peaceful protesters, including #EndSARS protesters, who are campaigning against police brutality, corruption and impunity.”