By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – CIVIL Society Organizations, CSOs, media practitioners and other stakeholders, Thursday, demanded professional handling of protests in Nigeria’s democratic space.

Speaking at a meeting tagged ‘Multi-stakeholder Roundtable on Strengthening Civic Space Advocacy and Media Engagement’, organised by the KIMPACT Development Initiative, KDI, in Abuja, the stakeholders also called for stronger protection of civic space and media freedom.

They also said it is imperative for the Nigerian Police Force to be more civil in handling protesters, including intimidation and attacking of journalists covering protest.

In an opening remark, the Executive Director, KDI, Bukola Idowu, explained the essence of bringing together policymakers, security agencies, human rights bodies, the media and civil society organisations to a roundtable at this point.

Idowu said the confrontations experienced between the police, CSOs and attacks on the media gives concern about the democratic space, and how Nigeria’s democracy is rated as “Authoritarian Democracy”, and also to closely look at the implementation of the Public Order Act, that concerns Nigerians and security agencies.

He said: “We aim to deepen the shared understanding of how laws, particularly the Public Order Act, POA, are interpreted and applied in practice, and how those interpretations affect fundamental rights to peaceful assembly, expression and association.

“Importantly, this is not a forum for accusations but for dialogue, a space where we still clarify and jointly explore pathways that balance public order with democratic freedom.”

He also underscored the strategic role the media plays in the civic and democratic lives of Nigerians.

“As KIMPACT Development Initiative, KDI, we believe that strong democracies are built not only through elections but through everyday civic engagement, responsible media, media parties and institutions that communicate transparently and art proportionately.

“Media engagement playing a critical role in shaping public perception, amplifying voices and ensure that civic action are understood within a proper legal and democratic context. Strengthening this ecosystem, democratic ecosystem, is our shared responsibility”, he added.

Meanwhile, in a goodwill message, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged actors and non-ctors to put Nigeria first as their priority interest in order to protect the civic space.

Tunji-Ojo, who was represented by the ministry’s Information department, further stated that the civic space can be protected with engagements permitted by law and upholding basic constitutional principles.

The Minister also said his ministry is open to dialogue and partnerships that would aimed at promote the nation’s internal security and at the same time protect fundamental freedoms and public trust.

He said, “The media plays a critical role in informing the public and strengthening accountability. Journalists must be able to carry out their lawful duties without intimidation, harassment, or unlawful detention.

“The Ministry supports ongoing engagement in journalistic safety, ethical reporting, and responsible media practice while encouraging the review of legal frameworks, including relevant provisions of the Cybersecurity Act and criminal defamation laws to ensure they align with constitutional guarantees and international best practices.

“Strengthening collaboration and institutional capacity. Safeguarding civic space requires coordinated action. The Ministry recognizes the importance of collaboration among civil society organizations, media institutions, security agencies, youth groups, faith-based organizations, and technology innovators.

“Capacity building initiatives in digital security, legal compliance, conflict prevention, and civic education will strengthen responsible engagement and reduce tensions between citizens and state institutions.

“The Ministry remains committed to due process, respect for their rights, and the timely administration of justice.

“At this critical juncture of our national life, I call on all stakeholders, civil society, the media, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and citizens to work together in the national interest.

“Civic space must be protected through lawful engagement, mutual respect, and adherence to constitutional principles.’

Also in a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr Anthony Ojukwu, said a shrinking civic space posed a serious challenge to national development.

Ojukwu represented by the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatima Mohammed, decried the victimization, intimidation of journalists, and suppression of citizens’ voices.

“The National Human Rights Commission is an advocate of a responsible civic space, a civic space that transcends to meaningful development for our dear country.

“And the National Human Rights Commission actually frowns at a shrinking civic space where journalists are intimidated, where Nigerians are coerced to be quiet without being allowed to meaningfully express themselves.

“And that together we put our strengths, powers, abilities to create a nation where we have a more meaningful civic space that will transcend to a meaningful development for our dear nation, Nigeria”, he said.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by ASP Olamiju Olubumi, said ensuring national security was a shared responsibility.

Egbetokun said the roundtable served as opportunity for the NPF in the areas of engagement, collaboration and idea-sharing to improve policing and civic relations.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Spaces for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, represented by the Digital Rights Programme Associate, Judith Chiamaka, said the conversation came at the right time when there are lots of threat to the Nigerian civic space.

Ibezim-Ohaeri also commended KDI and Action Group for facilitating dialogue and collaboration with the roundtable initiative, hence, it is imperative to ensure sustained engagement towards protection of digital and civic rights, accountability and inclusivity in the democratic space.