24/03/2025
In today’s digital era, social media has become a powerful tool for communication, business, learning, and advocacy. Across Nigeria, young people rely on these platforms to engage with the government, share ideas, and drive social change. However, the increasing trend of arrests, intimidation, and prolonged detentions over online activities is a growing concern.
Reports from various states, including Plateau, indicate that young people are being harassed, charged, and detained, sometimes beyond constitutionally permitted timeframes, often for engaging in discourse involving government officials.
While responsible social media use is essential, the misuse of security agencies to suppress dissent undermines democracy and fundamental human rights.
Criticism of governance should not be treated as a crime, and young people should not be unfairly targeted for exercising their right to free speech. We encourage civility in online discourse and urge young people to focus on policy and governance issues rather than personal attacks. However, this does not justify heavy-handed responses from security agencies or government officials who perceive vocal youth as adversaries rather than active citizens.
The trend of recruiting social media aides to bully citizens who critique government policies is undemocratic and should have no place in governance. Instead of deploying young people as “data boys/girls” to defend every government action, efforts should be directed toward providing meaningful employment opportunities. True public feedback should not be drowned out by partisan online aggression.
We call on the government to uphold constitutional rights and ensure security agencies do not engage in arbitrary arrests or intimidation. Democracy thrives on open dialogue, and public officials must embrace constructive criticism rather than resorting to repression. We also urge young people facing unlawful detention for advocating good governance to reach out to us and other human rights organizations to avert further violation of their rights.
Furthermore, promoting digital responsibility is crucial. Civil society organizations (CSOs), educators, and policymakers must strengthen media literacy programs that empower young people to engage responsibly online. At the same time, government officials must recognize that addressing public concerns is more productive than silencing critics.
We remain committed to advocating for young people’s right to free expression and urge all stakeholders to foster a digital space where engagement is met with dialogue, not oppression.
E-Signed,
John Mandung
Communication Officer
info@yiavha.org
