23 hours ago
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A group under the umbrella of Digital Rights Advocacy Organization (DiGiVic Initiatives ) has condemned the attack on Hamdiyya Sidi, a Nigerian citizen, for exercising her fundamental right to freedom of expression on social media.
Hamdiyya Sidi was allegedly assaulted and intimidated on 13 November 2024 by unidentified individuals for criticizing the state of insecurity in Sokoto on social media.
DiGiVic described the arrest of Hamdiyya as a blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards.
In the statement signed by the Executive Director of the organization, Morayo Ogunlana-Nkanga noted that the use of violence and intimidation to silence dissenting voices undermines democratic principles and the rule of law.
The statement urged the Sokoto State Government to investigate the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.
The group added that suppression of digital rights is a threat to democracy just as it vowed to stand in solidarity with Hamdiyya Sidi and all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power either online or offline
The statement read in part “ Freedom of expression, both online and offline, is a fundamental right guaranteed by Section 39 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution (as amended)and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other legal instruments that Nigeria is a signatory to.
“Citizens have the right to hold public officials accountable and engage in constructive criticism without fear of reprisal.
“We call on the Sokoto State Government to immediately investigate this incident, bring perpetrators to justice, and ensure that Hamdiyya Sidi’s safety is guaranteed as provided for in the same Constitution as one of the primary duties that the government owes every of her citizen.
“The Nigerian Government to uphold its constitutional obligations to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
“Law enforcement agencies to take swift action against those responsible for this heinous act.
“Civil society organizations, media outlets, and human rights groups join us in condemning this uncivil attack and advocate for the protection of digital rights of every Nigerian citizen.
“International partners and organizations to support Nigeria in promoting human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law.
“ We therefore vehemently assert that the suppression of digital rights is a threat to democracy. We stand in solidarity with Hamdiyya Sidi and all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power either online or offline”
