From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) expresses deep concern over reports that Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, a resident of Azare, Bauchi State, is allegedly being targeted for arrest following an article he published criticising the administrative conduct of the Vice Chancellor of Sa’adu Zungur University, Gadau (SAZU).
This was contained in a statement signed by the executive director of CITAD YZ Ya’u and made it available to news men.
The statement, according to credible sources, alleges that the University’s Vice Chancellor is allegedly working in collaboration with the Bauchi State Department of State Services (DSS) to track down Mr Buwayi for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“This is an alarming abuse of state power and a direct attack on the fundamental right of expression of citizens in Nigeria.
“Sabotage to Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad’s Mission to Rescue Sa’adu Zungur University Gadau from Maladministration: Those Behind” criticizes alleged corruption, maladministration, and poor infrastructure at the university. It raises issues of public concern, including diversion of university funds, broken infrastructure, and students’ welfare — all of which deserve attention, not suppression.
While one may disagree with the tone or content of the article, resorting to state-sponsored intimidation is unacceptable. Citizens must be able and allowed to voice legitimate grievances about public institutions, especially educational institutions, without fear of persecution.
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This attempted arrest is part of a worrying pattern of digital repression in Nigeria, where individuals, especially young people, journalists, and activists, are increasingly being harassed for what they post online. In many cases, these actions are justified under vague interpretations of cybercrime laws, despite international rulings that such applications violate human rights.
The statement quoted Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria that guarantees freedom of expression, while Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory, further protects this right. Nigeria is also bound by ECOWAS court decisions, which have ruled that arbitrary arrests for online expression are unlawful and undemocratic.
The statement then demands an immediate halt to any attempts to arrest or harass Mr. Shehu Ahmed Buwayi, and conduct an independent investigation into the alleged collaboration between the University management and the DSS in targeting a private citizen.
And also adherence to constitutional rights, especially digital and civic freedoms guaranteed to all Nigerians.
The statement finally, called on the National Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Actors, Journalists and Press Freedom Organizations to closely monitor this case and speak out against the growing use of state institutions to suppress online speech.
