•Olisa Agbakoba, SAN
A Legacy of Activism
In the late 20th century, Nigeria’s civil rights organizations stood as bastions of justice and democracy. Leaders like Olisa Agbakoba and Clement Nwankwo spearheaded movements against military rule, advocating for civilian governance.
These organisations were pivotal in Nigeria’s transition to democracy, earning international respect and influencing significant political change.
The Promise of Democracy
With the arrival of democratic governance in 1999, expectations for civil rights organizations soared. Initially, they thrived, holding the government accountable and championing the case of the disenfranchised.
Their role seemed set to expand Nigeria’s democratic values, reflecting the courage of the heroes of June 12, 1993, who fought bravely for free and fair elections.
A Shift in Momentum
As democracy matured, subtle shifts emerged. The unity and urgency that once defined activism began to dissipate. Ethnic, religious, and political divisions fragmented efforts.
The government’s clampdown on civil society, through draconian laws and suppressive strategies, fostered an atmosphere of fear and silenced many voices. The public, disillusioned by corruption and unfulfilled promises, grew apathetic.
Challenges and Complacency
Financial constraints became a significant issue, as international funding dwindled and donor fatigue set in. Some organizations faced accusations of political co-optation, compromising their independence.
Internal challenges, such as leadership disputes and a lack of strategic vision, further eroded their effectiveness.
The democratic environment, ironically, led to complacency and a diminished drive.
A Flicker of Hope
Despite these challenges, the spirit of activism is not entirely extinguished. Movements like #EndSARS demonstrate that Nigerians still demand accountability and justice. The legacy of June 12 reminds citizens that change is possible when ordinary people unite for a common cause.
Recommitting to the ideals of democracy and justice is essential for revitalizing Nigeria’s civil rights landscape.
Reflection: The Path Forward
As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, the need for robust civil rights organizations is crucial. Learning from the past, these groups must rebuild trust, foster unity, and maintain independence. The sacrifices of past heroes serve as a reminder of what is possible when collective action is prioritised over individual gain.
By reigniting the fervour of past movements, Nigeria can aspire to a future where civil rights organizations once again play a pivotal role in shaping democracy.
Stakeholders Speak:
Civil society groups now face funding drought – Igho Akeregha, CLO President
Igho Akeregha, Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) National President, lamented the decline of international funding for civil society groups since Nigeria’s transition to democracy, despite ongoing advocacy efforts.
He stated: “Civil society, including the CLO, was very active under the military government because the administration was unelected. Civil society groups found common ground to mobilise against the military and were ready to push them back to the barracks.
“Many civil society groups also received substantial funding to support campaigns and projects that encouraged the return of democracy, human rights, civic education, and advocacy for civic space and governance. International partners provided funds for these initiatives. However, once the military left and politicians took over, much of this funding dried up.
“That is not to say that nothing is happening today. The CLO remains active and continues its work. We have been involved in various engagements and advocacy efforts, even before the last elections. Although we may not be as vocal as we were under the military, the CLO remains a credible, membership-based human rights organisation.
“We do not negotiate for money or collect funds from individuals. Some other civil society groups, owned by individuals, may choose to negotiate for funding, but at the CLO, we operate according to our constitution. If there is a thematic issue to address, the Board of Trustees and other organizational bodies meet to decide on the best approach.
“After the return to democracy, the CLO decided to allow politicians the opportunity to improve Nigeria’s economy. Unfortunately, they have disappointed us. Many CSOs are now active in electoral reforms, but we do not see electoral reform as the most critical issue. We have enough laws to promote development, better living conditions, and equality for all Nigerians. Our main concern is impunity; there is no punishment for crime, so misconduct continues.
“While our sister organisations focus on electoral reforms, the CLO was a leader in constitutional reforms and expanding civic space during the military regime. Today, we are focused on holding government officials accountable. However, Nigerians have become very social and complacent, and civil society groups are a reflection of the people.”
Funding drought, government infiltration stifling activism — Etim Esq.
Similarly, Barrister Patrick Etim, Rayfield Associates Managing Partner, warned that Nigeria’s civil society has been struggling due to dwindling Western funding and government interference.
According to him, many groups now prioritize self-interest and government attention, compromising their ability to hold authorities accountable.
Etim also cited tribalism and regionalism as additional obstacles, undermining civil society’s effectiveness.
He said: “In my view, the situation in Nigeria is that civil society is struggling for several reasons. The primary issue is that the Western world is no longer sponsoring many civil society groups as they did in the past. As a result, these groups have become more like pressure groups that mainly seek government attention and focus on their members’ interests.
“In the past, when the US and other Western democracies were keen on promoting democracy in the Third World, they funded most civil society groups, allowing them to act independently. They didn’t need to rely on government or political handouts to survive and could speak truth to power. However, many groups cannot do that now because the government has infiltrated them, and I believe many are on the government’s payroll. Consequently, they are unable to speak authoritatively against government policies or actions.
“Why is Western interest in our democracy and adherence to the rule of law no longer as keen? It’s because they understand that if they push too hard, the administration might deepen its alignment with communist nations like China. There’s now an alternative in global politics, which is why they are more diplomatic in engaging with democratic issues in countries like Nigeria today.
“Additionally, I think the Buhari era exacerbated issues like tribalism, regionalism, and religion, which became more entrenched and began to define us. Many civil society groups are now cautious because of their membership.
“For instance, if a group is controlled by Yorubas, they might avoid criticizing the government because one of their own is in power. Similarly, if they oppose an Igbo leader like Peter Obi, people might claim it’s due to his ethnicity. Tribalism has infiltrated civil society activism, as we saw during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s time.
“This issue has affected not only civil society groups but also class groups and social clubs, making it very difficult for civil society to hold the government accountable.”
Corruption and politicization threatening activism in Nigeria —Okpanachi, NADECO member
Jacob Okpanachi, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) member and Executive Director, Social, Political, Economic, Educational and Environmental Rights Initiative (SPEEERI), paints a dire picture of Nigeria’s civil society, citing rampant corruption and politicisation.
Okpanachi recalled a time when activists funded their own campaigns, but now, many seek government support, leading to clashes over national issues. Genuine activists remain, but their voices are drowned out by corruption.
According to him, Nigeria’s history of corruption, particularly in the government sectors, has contributed to this decline.
To revive civil society, Okpanachi stressed the need to drastically reduce corruption. Only then can activism regain its former potency.
He said: “The activism we experienced under the military cannot be compared to now. We were driven by the necessities of that time, but now activists have become politicians. They understand the game and have tainted the civil society sphere with corruption. That’s the major problem we face today. What we have now is merely a shadow of what it used to be.
“The issue is that while there are those genuinely committed to the cause, many claiming to be activists today don’t understand the basics from the military era. I remember that under the military dictatorship, we used to fund campaigns and projects ourselves, but now those wanting to engage in activism, even against the government, seek government funding. This is why you see activists clashing over critical national issues.
“Yes, we still have genuine activists, but their voices are like a deceptive silence that is no longer effective. Once corruption is drastically reduced, civil society will become a more rewarding endeavour.”
Activism in Nigeria under siege — Olabiyi, Take-It-Back-Movement spokesman
On his part, the Take-it-Back Movement’s Public Relations Officer, Olabiyi Stephen, alleged that the government uses arrests, intimidation, and violence to silence activists, exemplified by the Department of State Service’s arrest of National Coordinator Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu before a nationwide protest.
He also noted that internal challenges hinder activism, including co-optation by the government or political parties, divisions among groups, and ineffective strategies.
According to him, economic struggles and technological surveillance further dampen activism. Despite these obstacles, he argued that the Take-it-Back Movement remains committed to democratic programs and collaborations, noting that Nigeria’s history of activism has overcome colonialism, military dictatorship, and oppression.
Olabiyi, said, “These are several reasons why activism in Nigeria may not be measuring up to the levels seen during the heydays of democratic struggle in the country. The government has become more authoritarian and repressive, using tactics like arrests, intimidation, and violence to silence activists.
“Let us take for instance the National Coordinator of the Take-it-Back Movement, Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu, who was arrested by the Department of State Service a few hours before the scheduled nationwide protest against hunger, hardship, and poor government policies. Till now, he has been kept incommunicado and we are saying Nigeria is practising democracy?
“Some activists have been co-opted by the government or political parties, weakening the movement. It is so disheartening that many former activists who are now in government have left the struggle for a better Nigeria to achieve personal gains. Some very good examples are Adam Oshiomole, Kayode Fayemi, Dino Melaiye, and many others.
“Activists are divided among various groups, reducing their collective impact. This is because we now have pro-government movements that work as tools in the hands of the oppressors. The Take-it-Back Movement was created to promote and sustain the masses’ voice through collaborations with like-minded groups. Activists may not be using effective strategies or tactics to achieve their goals.
“This is because some of the movements have been hijacked and infiltrated by the politicians they are supposed to be challenging. That’s why the Take-It-Back Movement stands out and is uncompromised because its programmes and strategies are democratic.
“Many Nigerians are disenchanted with politics and activism, leading to low participation. Economic struggles have distracted people from political activism. The government uses technology to monitor and suppress activism. The DSS is now fond of tracking the phones of activists in Nigeria whenever they are planning actions against oppression by the government and its failure to deliver the dividend of democracy to Nigerians. They did this with our leader, Omoyele Sowore, some of our comrades, and now Comrade Juwon, who was tracked to his house.”
Government alleged repression silences civil society groups in Nigeria – Itodo Esq.
Barrister Emmanuel Itodo of Black-Silk Legal Consults, Abuja, alleged that the current government’s perceived disdain for opposition voices instills fear, stifling the ability of some civil society groups to speak out against anti-people activities.
Itodo cited the arrest and detention of #EndBadGovernance protesters as a chilling example.
According to him, under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s liberal administration, civil society groups were vocal, but since the APC took power in 2015, their voices have faded.
He said: “Nigeria has many civil society groups that can thrive under a government that understands the tenets of democracy. However, the current government neither appreciates nor welcomes opposition voices. In such circumstances, civil society members, being human, are aware of the government’s actions and rhetoric, which instills fear. This creates an environment that is not conducive for them to thrive, hindering their ability to speak out against anti-people government activities.
“Democracy in Nigeria is currently facing a hostile environment that stifles civil society. For example, the arrest and detention of #EndBadGovernance protesters have intimidated many citizens. Under President Goodluck Jonathan’s liberal administration, which respected democratic principles, many active civil society groups were vocal. Since the APC government took power in 2015, however, these groups have been silenced, and their voices have gradually faded. This trend will likely continue unless there is a change in governance approach.
“In the 21st century, who wants to risk detention? Among the over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters currently detained, about 50% may never protest against anti-people policies in the future. The government’s oppressive nature continues to undermine civil society activism.”
CSOs in Nigeria face systematic repression – Jackson
Omenazu Jackson, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, asserted that civil society organizations in Nigeria are not weak, but rather, face deliberate suppression by those in power.
Jackson claimed that the government views civil society organizations as a threat to their unchecked power, looting, and inflated salaries.
To silence them, he alleged, there are standing orders to strangulate activists’ business interests and funding. This systematic plan aims to cripple civil society groups, denying them resources to challenge government actions or seek justice.
Jackson emphasised that Nigeria is not yet a democracy, but rather a “grabocracy” where those in power prioritize personal gain. According to him, the electoral process is flawed, and the government’s actions undermine democratic principles.
He explained, “I will not say that the civil society organisations in the country are weak. We are trying our best within the political field of this country and we’ve our mark. Some of us have been on the field since June 12 till today, and they have arrested some of us.
“The civil society organisation is seen as an enemy by the powers that be, who is trying to observe their power, their criminal impositions of the electoral process in the country, their looting that is unquestionable, and their over-bloated salaries. So, they feel that we are blocking their way from getting the extra things they are supposed to get illegally and criminally in that manner. It’s not that we are weak.
Again, it is a systematic plan that has been engendered by the political actors, mostly the criminal ones, to strangulate the civil society organisations.
“Most times, there are standing orders that activists shouldn’t be patronised in any way, and anywhere they see your business interests, they go there and strangulate it so that you don’t have the funds to reach out, you don’t have the funds to go and file a suit in court, you don’t have the funds to raise the necessary alarm because you need money to do certain things.
“We are not in a democracy. Nigeria has yet to be in democracy. Where is the democracy? Look at our electoral process. We are not in a democracy. We are in grabocracy. Grab as much as you can. Nigeria has not started experiencing democracy.”
Garuba, Hamman-Obels, Adeniran call for urgent reforms
In his assessment of Nigeria’s political landscape, Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD-West Africa, highlighted the alarming decline in press freedom
He stated, “Press freedom in Nigeria has worsened over the years, with the country’s press freedom score dropping from 65.9 out of 100 in 2013 to 51.03 in 2024.”
Consequently, Garuba emphasised the need for urgent reforms, asserting that a vibrant civil society and a free press are essential for holding leaders accountable.
Echoing these sentiments, Princess Hamman-Obels, Executive Director of The Electoral Hub, pointed to the increasing intimidation faced by civic actors.
“The current political environment in Nigeria has seen a decline in civil liberties and shrinking civic spaces,” Hamman-Obels declared.
She warned that this trend threatens fundamental human rights and urged civil society organizations to intensify their efforts in monitoring the electoral process, advocating for voter rights, and promoting civic education.
Adding to the discussion, Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, criticized the government’s failure to uphold true democratic values.
He stated, “Despite historical milestones, true democratic values were yet to take root in the nation.”
Adeniran lamented the lack of equitable resource distribution and declared, “It is not the kind of democracy that Campaign for Democracy yearned for in the 80s.
“No day deserves to be called democracy day in Nigeria yet, because June 12th was not democratic by any strand of democratic indices.”
