In a joint statement released today, the One Love Foundation (OLF) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have urged the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to comply with the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s judgment nullifying Section 24 of the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The statement, signed jointly by the President and Founder of OLF, Chief Patrick Eholor(aka Ultimate Equal) and the Director of SERAP, noted that the judgment was a significant victory for human rights and called on the government to implement the ruling without delay.
“The ECOWAS Court of Justice’s judgment is a resounding victory for freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association in Nigeria,” the statement reads. The government must act swiftly to enforce the ruling and bring an end to the chilling effect of Section 24 of the Cyber Crime Act, which has stifled dissent and undermined democracy in the country.
“Sometime ago, when I went online to expose the then deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on how his fuel station go against the approved pumped price, the next thing I got was a letter of intimidation asking me to come and report to the station on why I made such statement that it’s cyber bullying and stalking. Such things do ruin our democratic settings. We have outgrown that era.”
The statement further noted that the Nigerian government has a duty to uphold the rule of law and respect the decisions of regional courts such as the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
“It is essential that the government respects the decision of the Court and takes all necessary steps to implement its ruling. Failure to do so would not only violate Nigeria’s obligations under international law, but would also signal a disregard for the rights and freedoms of its citizens.”
The statement called on civil society organizations(CSO), human rights activists, and the general public to support the effort to pressure the government into complying with the ruling. The statement also drew attention to the significant role that civil society organizations and human rights activists have played in challenging the constitutionality of Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act.
“We commend the courage of the activists and organizations who have stood firm in their commitment to defending human rights in Nigeria. One Love Foundation, SERAP and Barrister Sam Ihensekhien (Jnr) effort have been instrumental in exposing the injustices perpetuated by Section 24 and securing a favorable judgment from the ECOWAS Court of Justice.”
The statement went on to express hope that the government would take the necessary steps to comply with the ruling and restore the fundamental rights and freedoms of Nigerian citizens.
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