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September 9, 2025 by Our Reporter
The Nigeria Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG) has expressed concern over what it called the shrinking civic space in the country, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.
According to the group, the legislature at all levels has failed to protect citizens’ rights and civic space, with some lawmakers even encouraging the violation of human rights.
This was made known in a communique at an event to strengthen Nigeria’s Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA) Human Rights Monitoring Hubs (HR-MHs) organised NDEBUMOG, with support from Oxdam, in Akwa-Ibom State.
The communiqué was signed by a member, NCSPA/ABAK Shadow Budget Group, Esther David; Member, NCSPA/Uyo Shadow Budget Group, Ekaette Akpan; Member, Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance, Pastor Ikakke Willie; member, NCSPA/Nsit Ubium Shadow Budget Group, Edidiong Wilson and member, Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance (NCSPA), Rosanna Bright.
NDEBUMOG bemoaned that authorities often use insecurity as an excuse to trample on citizens’ rights, especially freedom of expression, movement, and assembly.
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The group called on the government at all levels to create an enabling environment for citizens to exercise their democratic freedoms and prioritize civic space protection.
They also urged lawmakers to wake up to their primary responsibilities of protecting citizens’ rights and civic space using their oversight functions and legislative duties.
NDEBUMOG emphasised that democracy cannot be judged to be popular if fundamentals of civic space and democratic freedom are wobbling.
As the country gears up for the 2027 General Elections, NDEBUMOG advised politicians to be mindful of their actions, stressing that no future political gain can justify the loss of innocent lives.
The group emphasised the importance of participatory democracy and urged members of the armed forces to promote and protect civic space and democratic harmony.
NDEBUMOG also encouraged citizens to continue advocating for their rights and fundamental principles in a democracy.
The communique reads: “The Civic space is the environmental oxygen that guides civilised society, and also enables citizens and civil society to organise, participate, assemble and communicate freely. Regrettably, the space has withered, with a sense of unpredictability and fear of the unknown, due to insecurity and poor civil tolerance.
“It is sad that authorities, often, harp on insecurity to trample on the rights of citizens, especially, on freedom of expression, free movement and peaceful assembly, among others. Whilst many citizens have surrendered to fate for fear of intimidation, victimisation and even for fear of causal fatalities.
“ Intolerance to voices of dissent is becoming worrisome. Citizens should not be subjected to direct/indirect forms of intimidation or victimization for exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“It is time for lawmakers at all levels to wake up to their primary responsibilities of protecting citizens’ rights for an enduring civic space, using oversight functions, legislative duties and official privileges. Democracy cannot be judged to be popular, if fundamentals of civic space and democratic freedom are wobbling.”
English (US)