Connect with us

News

CITAD Urges INEC, NITDA, Others To Respect Citizens’ Data Rights,Privacy

Published

3 years ago

on

 

By Ozumi Abdul

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its sister government agencies such as National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, National Human Rights Commission, as well as all the security agencies in the country to ensure the protection of citizens data, privacy and respect their rights online, during and after the 2023 general elections.

The call was made during a press conference held at the organization’s head office in Kano on Thursday.

While delivering the text of the press conference, the CITAD Digital Right Manager, Ali Sabo declared that it is important to note that the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms has clearly spelt out that the freedom and privacy of individual online are respected and protected.

He added that these rights correspond to the fundamental rights provided in the Declaration on Human Rights as Freedom of Expression, Right to Information, Freedom of Assembly and Association, as well as the right to personal privacy and dignity.

He said that the UN has recognized the right to Internet as fourth generation rights, and the right to Internet as means to access these offline rights has at its core the issues of Privacy and Personal Data Protection.

Sabo noted that any breach of the above is a negation to Nigerian commitment to Human Rights as well as other international covenants on human rights, including the African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights.

Sabo recalled that before the month of February, preceding the presidential and national assembly elections, that his organization held similar press conference to draw the attentions of the INEC and its sister government agencies to the need to protect and respect the digital rights of the citizens during and after elections.

He said security agencies, especially the police were also enjoined to avoid doing the hatchet job for politicians by unnecessarily arresting citizens as criticisms are part and parcel of democracy, but however regretted that despite this call, that serious cases of intimidations and harassments by the security agents were still recorded in some parts of the country during the last month’s 25, presidential and national assembly elections.

Advert

“Gentlemen of the press, you are aware that in the month of February before the presidential and national assembly elections, we held similar press conference were we drew the attention of the INEC and its sisters government agencies on the need to ensure the protection of the citizens data and privacy.

“Similarly, in the same month we called the attention of the Nigerian Police Force against the arbitrary arrest of citizens on the order of some overzealous politicians who misused their offices to trample on the fundamental human rights of the citizens. It is a well-known fact that “criticism is part and parcel of any democracy and it is one of the cardinal pillars through which democracy is being build”, but governments in Nigeria on many occasions, have displayed arrogance, impunity and lack of tolerance where at any slight instance they have ordered the arrest of the citizens for excising their fundamental human rights of expressing their opinions.

“If you could recall, in presidential and national assembly elections which is being held on the 25th of February, 2023 sad incidences happened in some part of the country, where reported cases of intimidation, harassment and malfunctioning of elections materials such as Biomodal Accreditation System (BVAS) were recorded.

“This month’s press conference is necessary at this time looking at what has happened in the presidential and national assembly elections. It is imperative for us as an organization working on the area of upholding electoral integrity, human rights and digital rights in Nigeria to draw the attention of all the stakeholders, especially security agencies and those who have citizens’ data in their custody, on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the rights of the Nigerian citizens, both online and offline and ensuring that their data is safe and not be misused or tempered with.

“This call is necessary because there is genuine information as we indicated in the previous press conference that government agencies have purchased surveillance systems to track and monitor people, most especially activists, journalists, opponents and those they consider threat to their interests. As Civil Society actors we consider this as a threat to not only the fundamental human rights of the citizens but to our democracy as this exposes citizens to privacy abuse.

“Furthermore, it is important to emphasize the need for respecting the privacy of individuals and ensuring that their data is being kept in a safer place and not allow third person to have access to it.

Consequently, he now called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the protection and confidentiality of the people’s mandate and not allow anybody to tamper with it, to ensure that all the election electronic materials such BVAS are in good condition in order to avoid what happened in the presidential and national assembly election

He also enjoined the INEC to ensure the early delivery of election materials to polling units across the country, as well as ensuring that all election results are being uploaded to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) as stipulated in the 2022 Electoral Act.

The CITAD Digital Right manager also charged the Nigeria Police Force to desist from being used by politicians to intimidate voters, journalists and election observers during the election , while also calling on the National Information Technology Development Agency, Nigeria Communications Commission, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to not allow themselves to be used or transmit citizens data to a third person for any reason unless this request is by a competent court.

Related Topics:

News

Ganduje Hints at Reconciling with Kwankwaso

Published

8 hours ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has extended an olive branch to his longtime political rival, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Ganduje expressed a desire to mend fences and reunite for the progress of Kano State.

“I am hopeful that very soon we will reconcile with Kwankwaso so we can move forward together. We have shared a political camp in the past and remain brothers,” Ganduje stated.

Emphasizing a departure from past rivalries, he noted that current political realignments in Kano have ushered in a new era of cooperation focused on governance rather than conflict.

Advert

“With the present realignment, the politics of rivalry in Kano may be over. Our priority now is delivering good governance to our people,” Ganduje explained. “If Governor Abba Yusuf succeeds, we all succeed—and if we succeed, he also succeeds. It is vital for all of us to understand this so that the government can thrive.”

Ganduje, drawing from his experience as former APC National Chairman, added that his tenure provided him with deep insight into party operations and conflict resolution mechanisms.

When questioned on whether Governor Abba Yusuf would receive an automatic ticket in future elections, Ganduje acknowledged party conventions while underscoring adherence to established rules.

“I am familiar with the party’s workings. There are rules and there are traditions. The tradition grants a sitting governor the right of first refusal, though this principle does not extend to other positions,” he clarified.

NIGERIAN TRACKER reports that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was anointed by his predecessor and long time political associate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during the 2015 general elections after which the duo fell out in March 2016 due to some differences that suddenly emerge less than a year into the tenure of Dr Ganduje as Governor of Kano state.

Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: Work Resumes at FCTA Following Court Order Suspending Strike

Published

9 hours ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Normal operations resumed at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) secretariat and its affiliated Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Wednesday, following a ruling by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ordering the suspension of an ongoing industrial action.

The court, presided over by Justice E. D. Subilim, on Tuesday directed the immediate suspension of the strike embarked upon by workers under the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) to allow for continued dialogue.

In response to the ruling, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, called on all employees to return to their posts promptly. While acknowledging the right to lawful protest in a democracy, the Minister emphasized the importance of respecting judicial directives.

Advert

To ensure full compliance, the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti, issued a circular dated January 27, 2026, instructing all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies to reopen offices and maintain strict staff attendance registers. The circular directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, Parastatals, and Agencies to enforce the immediate resumption of duties.

Observations across various FCTA offices and MDAs on Wednesday indicated a substantial level of compliance, with staff present on the premises and engaged in their official responsibilities.

The FCTA administration has reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with union representatives and to the continued improvement of staff welfare.

Continue Reading

News

Reps Summons Finance, Agriculture Ministers, Auditor-General Over Agricultural Funds

Published

9 hours ago

on

January 28, 2026

By

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids, and Grants Programmes has summoned the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture and Food Security, as well as the Auditor-General of the Federation, to account for expenditure on agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.

The summons was issued during a public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, where lawmakers demanded explanations regarding funds released for key agricultural initiatives over the past decade.

The committee directed the officials, or their duly authorized representatives, to appear before it on February 3, warning that failure to comply would result in legislative sanctions in accordance with the powers vested in the National Assembly.

In his ruling, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Jamo Aminu (APC-Katsina), stated that the investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds intended to boost food production, support farmers, and enhance national food security.

Advert

“The interventions under review were designed to strengthen our agricultural sector and ensure food security for all Nigerians. However, persistent concerns over food insecurity, rising food prices, and the effectiveness of past programmes have made this scrutiny imperative,” Rep. Aminu said.

The chairman expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation for its failure to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes during the specified period.

He emphasized that comprehensive audit documentation is essential for tracking the disbursement, utilization, and outcomes of the funds.

“We cannot effectively conduct this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes. Transparency and accountability in this process are non-negotiable,” he stated.

Earlier in the hearing, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General, attributed the lack of completed audit reports to insufficient cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to Adamu, the Auditor-General’s office has repeatedly requested necessary documents related to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids, and intervention programmes but has not received the required information from the ministry.

“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without their cooperation, finalizing the audit process has been challenging,” he explained.

The hearing continues as part of the House’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively for national development.

Continue Reading

Trending