In a startling turn of events, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a stern ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu. The non-profit organization has given the president a 48-hour window to withdraw the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive on the cybersecurity levy.
SERAP’s demand comes in the wake of widespread criticism of the CBN’s directive, which imposes a cybersecurity levy on Nigerians. The organization argues that the directive patently violates the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international human rights obligations and commitments.
The organization has also called for an immediate halt to the implementation of section 44 and other repressive provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2024. SERAP contends that these provisions flagrantly violate the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, signed the statement, which declared that the Tinubu administration must withdraw the “patently arbitrary and unlawful” CBN directive within 48 hours. The organization has warned that failure to comply with their request could result in legal action.
SERAP has also urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to prepare and present a bill to amend section 44 and other repressive provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2024. The aim is to align these provisions with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.
The organization has described section 44 (8), which criminalizes the non-payment of the cybersecurity levy by Nigerians, as “grossly unlawful and unconstitutional”. SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, is reportedly preparing the necessary court papers should the administration fail to act as recommended.
SERAP’s ultimatum to the Tinubu administration underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action. The organization has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take legal action if the administration fails to withdraw the CBN directive and amend the repressive provisions of the Cybercrimes Act within the stipulated 48-hour period.
The unfolding situation puts the spotlight on the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding the provisions of the constitution, the rule of law, and abstaining from all improper acts. The next 48 hours will be crucial in determining the course of this issue and its implications for cybersecurity governance in Nigeria.
As the clock ticks, the nation waits with bated breath for the administration’s response to SERAP’s ultimatum. Will the administration heed SERAP’s call and withdraw the controversial CBN directive? Only time will tell.
