SERAP Warns Against Misuse of Proposed Surveillance Laws

Kolawole Oluwadare, the Deputy Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), raised alarms about the potential misuse of proposed surveillance regulations against civilians and government critics. His comments were made during an interview with Arise Television on Monday.

This statement comes in light of allegations involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who reportedly claimed that his phone conversations with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu were intercepted. Oluwadare emphasized that while the government may argue for the necessity of such regulations, there is a significant risk that they could infringe on civil liberties and be misused against dissenters.

He called for a thorough legislative process, including public hearings, to ensure that any regulations enacted include robust safeguards to protect fundamental rights. The current legal framework regarding government interception lacks clarity and may not adequately protect against potential abuses.