Amnesty International has demanded that the state governors’ orders to exclude non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Adamawa immediately be upturned.
In a statement, Amnesty International’s Director, Osai Ojigbo, claimed that the decision will harm the states’ most vulnerable citizens.
The government of Adamawa state since outlawed NGOs’ operations as the organizations were charged with attempting to sway voters in the recently held presidential and national assembly elections.
Yet Mrs. Ojigbo underlined that the persecution of organizations that advocate or protect human rights in governments must come to an end.
“Amnesty International demands that the governors of Adamawa immediately reverse their arbitrary deportation of non-governmental organizations. When organizations are attacked for nothing more than carrying out their routine duties while saving lives, it primarily harms the disadvantaged communities they are assisting.
“This campaign of intimidation against independent groups and human rights advocates must halt. The governor of the states of Adamawa must permit independent organizations and human rights advocates to operate freely.
“The suspension of NGOs in Adamawa state, is repressive and a direct attack on the civic space. Authorities of the state must desist from the such arbitrary exercise of powers and focus more on rebuilding and resettling communities displaced by years of attacks by bandits and insurgents,” she said.
