A United States-based non-governmental organization, Justice For All Nations (JFAN), has criticized the call by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria for President Bola Tinubu to drop cybercrime charges against activist Omoyele Sowore. JFAN described the appeal as “self-serving and hypocritical.”
In a press statement issued on Monday, JFAN’s Coordinator, Dr. Dada Popoola, emphasized that Sowore should be prepared to defend his statements in court, particularly regarding his claims about President Tinubu. The organization questioned Amnesty International’s stance, suggesting it has become a defender of “impunity, blackmail, and ‘activism for cash'” associated with Sowore.
JFAN also criticized SERAP, labeling it a “business enterprise” masquerading as a civil society organization. The group noted that SERAP’s defense of Sowore, who has called the President of Nigeria a criminal, is not unexpected. JFAN asked whether any citizen in the United States, where Sowore is based, can be labeled a criminal without a court conviction.
The organization further questioned the silence of Amnesty International and SERAP during the 2019 Rivers State election violence, which resulted in the death of Dr. Ferry Gberegbe, a lecturer at Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic. JFAN urged anti-corruption and security agencies in Nigeria to scrutinize civil society organizations and human rights activists, citing concerns about money laundering and terrorism funding.
The controversy surrounds Sowore’s ongoing cybercrime case and his criticisms of President Tinubu. JFAN’s statement highlights the complex and often contentious relationships between government, civil society, and activists in Nigeria. As the case against Sowore continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what implications it may have for freedom of speech and activism in the country. The Nigerian government’s response to JFAN’s statement and the actions of anti-corruption agencies will be closely watched in the coming days.
