Global Rights, an international human rights organisation has described the administration of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, as threats or intimidation of journalists and protesters.
It also added that Buhari made moves that mortified access to information, curtail freedom of expression, and monitor how and for what purposes citizens assembled.
The organisation also said that an estimated 250 protesters and 189 journalists were arrested, detained, or harassed under the former president.
Global Rights stated this in its report titled, “Shege! A scorecard on the Buhari administration’s impact on Nigeria’s civic space,” which was published on January 13, 2024.
The organisation said in the report, “In the eight-year term of President Buhari’s administration, Nigeria witnessed a notable decline on all frontiers of the civic space and basic freedoms. The administration was characterised by a suspicious relationship with the media, a frosty relationship with civil society organisations, and a clear desire to control access to information, curtail freedom of expression, and monitor how and for what purposes citizens assembled.
“There were also several legislative attempts made by the administration with regard to the civic space. If all these attempts made it into law, it is safe to say Nigeria would have emerged as one of the most repressive democracies globally.”
“The number of peaceful protesters killed: at least 69. Number of arrests made during peaceful protests: 250 (estimated based on available data)“Instances of government interference in the activities of CSOs: At least four. Number of journalists arrested, detained, or harassed: more than 189,” it said.
Although, the spokesperson for the former President, Garba Shehu, declined comment on the issue, saying former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, was the appropriate person to speak.
Reaching the ex-minister proved unsuccessful as calls to his mobile line did not connect.