The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has lamented about the spate of attacks against human rights defenders and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
The group, during a Validation/Dissemination workshop of Inclusive Translated Videos on 2022 Civic Space Outlook for West Africa and Nigeria Security Surveillance, highlighted that there has been targeted attacks against human rights defenders in recent times.
While speaking at the workshop, the Executive Director of CCD, David Anyaele explained that the videos were designed to increase awareness on the need to protect actors within the Civic Space and to ensure that existing laws and the digital materials used don’t infringe the privacy of individuals.
Anyaele who explained that the videos were produced as parts of a research conducted by the Civic Society Action Group (CSAG) on Civic Space, was to highlight the level of security sector violence against civil society actors in Nigeria.
He lamented that the treatments given to human rights defenders in Nigeria are similar to those that should be given to terrorists and bandits, thereby demanding that security apparatus in the country should not be used to frustrate actors within the civic space.
He added that “these videos have been produced to create awareness, understand the issues and enable members of the public to guide themselves and join forces to demand for the security and safety of Nigerian.”
Anyaele thereafter appealed to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) within the specified time frame, so they can participate in the electoral process.
“You cannot say you own Nigeria if you don’t have your PVC, the only thing that will show we are one of the owners of Nigeria is our PVC,” he added.
The Lagos State Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, Mr. Tolani Ojuri also buttressed on the need for increased awareness among PWDs, especially about different laws in existence, so they are able to demand for their rights.
Ojuri added that “the disability community has a lot of work to do, the leadership and stakeholders should get to enlighten the members while the members have to take it upon themselves to learn more about the laws.”
In the same vein, Volunteer with Center for CCD and Nigeria Association of the Blind Ifako-Ijaye Chapter Chairman, Mr. Anuoluwayinka Isaac explained the need to stir up more enlightenment in different ways that has affected PWDs and their advocates.