The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has charged the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and six others, to ensure protection of Citizen’s digital rights, during and after the 2023 general election.
Digital Rights Officer, CITAD Malam Ali Sabo made the call while briefing newsmen in Kano.
According to him, the 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 and security agencies in the country, have a vital role to play in protecting the rights of citizens both online and offline.
“They should 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 “.
The Digital Rights Officer explained that, the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedom, had clearly spelt out the freedom and privacy of individual online is of upmost importance and must be protected.
Malam Ali Sabo stressed that, the 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 noted that, 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 built.
“The government to respect the citizens’ rights for association, assembly and speech online during this election”.
He charged the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure the protection and confidentiality of the people’s mandate, and the Nigeria Police Force to desist from being used by politicians to intimidate voters, journalists and election observers during the election.
“We are calling on the security agency to ensure the protection of election infrastructure as well as telecommunication infrastructure in order to have smooth transmission of election results without any compromise in the country”.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
