By ABDULKABIR MUHAMMED

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has cautioned the Abia State government over what it considered the “repression and suppression” of dissenting voices. This outcry followed a recent statement by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, who told journalists during a press briefing that the state government would crack down on peddlers of fake news.

However, in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and the Head of Corporate Accountability, Anti-Corruption & Human Rights Enforcement, Barrister Femisi Akande, dated 18th August, 2025, FENRAD expressed concerns over the new policy, arguing that it would amount to the suppression of citizens’ fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution. The rights group also noted intimidation and suppression of the media and civic organisations in the state by the Otti-led administration, an act that it claims poses a major threat to democracy.

“The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) An Environmental & Human Rights Advocacy organization is deeply alarmed by the recent actions and posturing of the Abia State Government, which indicate a disturbing pattern of repression, suppression, and intolerance towards dissenting voices, particularly those expressed through the media and civil society.

“FENRAD has observed credible indications of threats of arrest and intimidation being leveled against journalists, civic actors, and voices critical of the government’s handling of public matters.These actions constitute a direct assault on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and a shrinking of civic space, which are vital to democracy and good governance,” they added.

Noting that the Nigerian constitution and several international protocols provide for the human rights of freedom of expression, FENRAD urged the Abia State Government to be transparent in its fiscal and monetary policies. They claimed that transparency and accountability will enhance trust, good governance, and combat misinformation in the state.

Their words:

“FENRAD reminds the Abia State Government that freedom of expression and press freedom are protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and reinforced by Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

© A Call for Proactive Disclosure and Fiscal Accountability

© Rather than resorting to repression, FENRAD urges the Abia State Government to embrace transparency, openness, and fiscal discipline by proactively disclosing:

© Budgetary allocations and implementation reports

© Procurement and contract processes

©Debt profiles and internally generated revenue (IGR) performance

©Status of ongoing capital projects and public services

©Public access to such information is key to building trust, improving governance, and countering misinformation.

“Campaign Against Fake News Must Not Be a Tool for Silencing Criticism

“While FENRAD recognizes the need to combat misinformation and fake news, we caution the government against using this campaign as a pretext to stifle legitimate dissent, investigative journalism, or civic advocacy. The line between enforcing factual accuracy and weaponizing state power must never be blurred.

“While they condemned fake news, FENRAD further reiterated that “true democratic governance thrives when citizens have access to timely and accurate information, enabling them to ask informed questions and hold elected officials accountable.”

The rights group urged the Abia State Government to comply with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, “including regular publication of financial and operational reports.” They also called for the institutionalisation of participatory governance, and the protection of civil liberties and constructive engagement with critics.

FENRAD Recommend the following:

©Full adherence to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, including regular publication of financial and operational reports.

©Institutionalization of participatory governance, where civil society and the public are actively involved in budgeting, project monitoring, and anti-corruption efforts.

Exercise restraint and uphold civil liberties in its campaign against fake news

Cease all forms of harassment, intimidation, and threats of arrest targeted at media and civic stakeholders

Strengthen the use of lawful, transparent, and democratic means to engage with the public and critics

FENRAD reaffirms its commitment to promoting democracy, transparency, and civic participation, and will not hesitate to collaborate with other rights-based organizations to ensure that the civic space in Abia State remains open and protected.