By: Chiamaka Mogo
Osai Ojigho
“We maintain that COVID-19 cannot be used as an excuse for rights violations. We issued a statement that called on not only the government of Nigeria but the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa to take urgent action to prevent the spread of Coronavirus by releasing prisoners of conscience, reviewing cases of pre-trial detention, and guaranteeing access to healthcare and sanitation products in all facilities.”
(Photo supplied by Osai Ojigho)
Osai Ojigho joined Amnesty International Nigeria as the Country Director, in the year 2017. She is a lawyer with significant experience in advocating for human rights in Nigeria and across Africa. In this interview with IIDN, we discuss the strategies of Amnesty International Nigeria, pressing human rights issues and the organization’s readiness to address human rights violations during this COVID-19 pandemic. Please read below:
Who is Osai Ojigho?
I am a lawyer, human rights expert and gender equality advocate. Currently, I am the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Prior to joining Amnesty International, I served as Oxfam International’s Pan-Africa Programme Manager, Coalition Coordinator, SOTU (State of the Union) Coalition, human rights observer to the African Union Mission to Mali and the Sahel and Deputy Executive Director of Alliances for Africa. I have many years’ experience leading projects relating to gender, human rights, access to justice, governance, and development. My aim is to build a supporter base which works from the bottom up to build a culture of respect for human rights in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. I am a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a life member of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). I am also a consulting editor with Open Global Rights and a mentor to Mandela Washington Fellows. I also sit on the Global Advisory Council of Institute For African Women In Law (IAWL). I hold a Law degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria and a Masters’ in Law degree from the University of Wolverhampton, UK.
Twitter: @livingtruely
How would you define "Human rights"?
Human right is premised on equality. It is the respect and protection of the dignity of everyone regardless of socio-economic or political classifications.
What strategies does Amnesty International Nigeria apply to promote the human rights of Nigerians?
Amnesty International as a movement has over the years adopted a three prong approach in the defense of human rights. Firstly, we identify, Investigate and document human rights violations where ever and whenever they occur. We then present the evidence to the authorities and powerful groups in the form of a written report, video documentary or artistic expressions. The aim is to hold power to account using verifiable evidence in the demand for justice. The final step is to mobilize for action. We are a global movement of over 7 million people who take injustice personally. In the strength of our numbers we put public pressure on the government through targeted campaigns, human rights education and the media to ensure that our recommendations are fulfilled.
Are there particular issues of human rights violations that continue to manifest in the Nigerian society?
Definitely. There are a number of human rights violations that remain prevalent despite concerted efforts by civil society organisations as ours. The most predominant cases in Nigeria are extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, forced evictions, sexual and gender-based violence and the clamping down on freedom of expression or speech.
In 2019, we declared Omoyele Sowore, Agba Jalingo and Olawale Bakare, Prisoners of Conscience. They were held in prison by the government for simply expressing their rights to freedom of expression. Today, they have all been released on bail and we continue to call on the government to drop all trumped up charges against them. We also played an active role in the coalition of civil society groups that called the government to set up a Special Investigative Panel on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to bring justice to survivors of the Abuja Raid incidents that occurred in April 2019. SGBV is emblematic of the continued violation women face in Nigeria. In this particular instance women were specifically targeted, harassed, assaulted and arrested for simply being at public relaxation spots.
We have experienced some victories in the fight for human rights in Nigeria but we still have a long way ahead.
Please share any instance(s) where the actions of Amnesty International Nigeria were linked to the end of a human rights issue?
In 2012, the Mpape community in Abuja were on threat of forced evictions by the Federal Capital Development Authority. The government alleged that the Mpape community had settled illegally and informally in the land they occupied and was planning demolition of structures on the land. Amnesty International joined the community to campaign against the planned demolitions as a threat to carry out forced evictions. The Mpape community petitioned to the court seeking protection of their right to housing. A few days to judgment day in the High Court of Abuja on Thursday 2 February 2017, Amnesty Nigeria organized a solidarity event in Mpape to encourage residents to turn up in court for the judgment. The community appeared in court in large numbers. The court gave judgment to support the community ordering the government to stop all demolitions as their actions was not in compliance with international human rights obligations. The community are living peacefully to date.
In 2014 as part of our annual write for rights campaign, Amnesty International campaigned for Moses Akatugba who was 16 years old when he was tortured to confess to stealing mobile phones and sentenced to death. In the first place, Nigerian law does not permit confessions obtained through torture as evidence. Secondly, Moses was not an adult and even if convicted cannot be sentenced to death. On 28 May 2015, the governor of Delta state granted him a full pardon.
In which ways are Amnesty International Nigeria currently assisting or planning to assist, to curb human rights abuses amidst COVID-19?
We have been very vocal in condemning the disturbing human rights violations that have occurred during this difficult time. We maintain that COVID-19 cannot be used as an excuse for rights violations. We issued a statement that called on the not only the government of Nigeria but the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa to take urgent action to prevent the spread of Coronavirus by releasing prisoners of conscience, reviewing cases of pre-trial detention, and guaranteeing access to healthcare and sanitation products in all facilities. We have also called for protection for health care professionals and essential service workers including the provision of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in order for them to carry out their tasks safely.
Haven seen the spike in domestic based violence since the government instituted lockdown; we also called on the government to classify as essential workers, social workers, women’s rights groups and providers who work with victims of domestic violence and SGBV so they can provide the much needed support to people in desperate situations. This includes providing passes for them to move during lockdown and curfews.
Most troubling are the reckless actions of some security agents which have resulted in the death of at least 19 people in Nigeria according to the latest report by National Human Rights Commission. Amnesty International has strongly condemned these actions and has called on the authorities to ensure that these cases are independently and transparently investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice.
The cause we have chosen is a based on our commitment to the right to dignity of every person. As Peter Benenson, the founder of Amnesty International, once said – “Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done”.
How can people contact Amnesty International Nigeria?
Email: info@amnesty.org.ng
Phone: 0909 086 6666
Follow us on Twitter: @AmnestyNigeria
Instagram: @ainigeria
Facebook: @ainigeria
About the Initiative for Inclusive Dialogue in Nigeria (IIDN)
IIDN was founded on the belief that opportunities for engaging in the role of public governance in Nigeria, should be more inclusive. We aim that through our assistance in areas of good governance education, engagement with different community groups and awareness raising, more Nigerians will feel interested, confident and qualified to engage in the discourse and actions centred around how Nigeria is governed.