In a recent development, a group of 36 civil society organizations has come together to condemn what they describe as intentional disruptions of the internet during the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. This action has been deemed unacceptable and a breach of established norms and standards under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State party. The groups have addressed an open letter to key government agencies including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).
The groups have alleged that the intentional throttling of internet speed nationwide is aimed at slowing down information dissemination. They have called on the relevant government agencies to respect citizens‘ rights and immediately cease further disruptions of network services and any attempts at future network shutdowns.
The weaponization of internet disruptions and blocking or shutdowns during political unrest has been highlighted as exacerbating the underlying concerns of citizens. These actions go against Chapter four of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens‘ rights to freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association. The disruption of internet services has been particularly noticeable in many parts of the country, coinciding with the start of the anti-government protests.
The ongoing protest, scheduled to last for 10 days, is a response to grievances regarding President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the economy, which protesters claim has led to hardships for millions of Nigerians. Many have attributed the poor internet connections experienced in various parts of the country to government interference aimed at stifling the protests before they even began.
The joint statement from the civil society organizations emphasizes the importance of access to information as a fundamental right. They cite the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as instruments that guarantee this right. The disruption of internet services not only hinders the free flow of information but also impacts various sectors such as finance, commerce, and essential service delivery platforms.
The statement also references a previous ruling by the ECOWAS Court, which declared Nigeria’s seven-month Twitter ban as unlawful and a violation of freedom of expression. The government is urged to adhere to international standards that promote freedom of expression, access to information, and human rights online.
In conclusion, the civil society organizations call on the government to uphold the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability by ensuring an open internet that allows for seamless communication and access to accurate information. They stress the importance of keeping communication channels open during uncertain times and urge the government to refrain from further disruptions of network services. The support of the public in maintaining free, accessible news is also encouraged to uphold the integrity and credibility of journalism.