Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest of Nubari Saatah, President of the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), in connection with a planned peaceful protest against the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State. Saatah was arrested on Tuesday, while Mudiaga Ogboru, the NDC’s national spokesperson, has also been summoned by the police for questioning.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Amnesty International described the actions of the Nigerian authorities as unlawful and a blatant violation of the right to peaceful protest. The human rights organization criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its growing intolerance of dissent and its use of security forces to suppress legitimate civil action.
“The arrest of Nubari Saatah and the police invitation to Mudiaga Ogboru reflect the Nigerian government’s increasing hostility towards peaceful protest and political activism,” Amnesty International stated. “Targeting activists who speak out against government policies undermines the democratic principles of free expression and assembly.”
Amnesty International emphasized that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental human right guaranteed under both Nigerian and international law. The organization warned that the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent is setting a dangerous precedent for civil liberties in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian authorities must end their repressive targeting of activists and start listening to critics,” the statement continued. “The government must stop using security personnel to deprive people of their right to peaceful protest and instead engage with the real grievances of the people.”
The planned protest was organized in response to the recent imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which the NDC and other civil society groups have described as politically motivated and undemocratic. Critics argue that the state of emergency grants excessive powers to security forces, restricts civil liberties, and undermines democratic governance.
Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to respect the rights of citizens to express their views peacefully and to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta. The organization also urged the immediate release of Nubari Saatah and an end to the intimidation of NDC leaders and other activists.
“The right to peaceful protest is not a crime,” Amnesty International reiterated. “Nigeria’s leaders must address the legitimate concerns of the people instead of resorting to repression and intimidation.”
This latest incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and political observers, who warn that the Nigerian government’s crackdown on peaceful protest could escalate tensions in the already volatile Niger Delta region.
