Rights Groups Urge SERAP to Obey Court Judgment in DSS Defamation Case

The recent call by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) for the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to comply with a court judgment is a crucial moment for the human rights community in Nigeria. As advocates, we must embody the principles we champion. The CDHR, in its statement, rightly underscored that freedom of expression, while a fundamental right, must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries. The court's finding that SERAP's publication was defamatory necessitates adherence to the rule of law, which is the bedrock of any democratic society.

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The rule of law remains the foundation of every democratic society. Human rights advocacy must coexist with accountability, fairness, and respect for due process.

It is imperative that organizations like SERAP, which often hold state institutions accountable, also demonstrate accountability themselves. The N100 million damages awarded are not merely punitive; they reflect the court's assessment of the harm done to the professional reputation of the DSS operatives. CAIDOV's Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, articulated this point clearly, stating that human rights advocacy should not be a shield for misrepresentation or the violation of others' rights, even those serving in security agencies. This perspective is vital for maintaining public trust in both human rights organizations and the judiciary.

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We in the human rights community should lead by example. We should not be seen as the very persons breaching human rights in the name of free speech.

From The Punch's standpoint, this situation highlights a complex interplay between activism, legal recourse, and public perception. While international media might focus on SERAP's advocacy work, it's essential to consider the local implications and the Nigerian legal framework. The emphasis here is on the principle that no entity, however well-intentioned, is above the law. The human rights community must lead by example, ensuring that their pursuit of justice does not inadvertently trample on the rights of others or undermine the authority of the courts. This case serves as a reminder that accountability and fairness must be integral to all advocacy efforts.

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Human rights is universal. It is for everybody. We should not trample on the rights of others simply because they chose to be security agents.