In a recent statement via his official X account, Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a well-known human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission, has shared his thoughts on the Nigerian government’s threat to jail whistleblowers who leak official documents.
The Nigerian government has issued warning to its employees, threatening imprisonment for those who leak official documents.
This move aims to stop whistleblowers from exposing wrongdoings within the government.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made this clear in a recent statement.
He stated that the unauthorized disclosure or leakage of official documents, which can negatively impact the country, is a punishable offense.
This announcement has raised concerns among journalists and civil society organizations.
These groups often rely on such leaks to uncover corruption and misconduct within the government.
Despite existing laws that protect whistleblowers, the new threat from the government could discourage individuals from coming forward with critical information.
Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu voiced his concern over this development.
"Power Corrupts. These guys are not even pretending about being lawless or they do not know that whistleblowers enjoy legal protection as a matter of law?" Odinkalu wrote.
His comments highlight the tension between the need for transparency and the government’s stance on maintaining secrecy.
The protection of whistleblowers is enshrined in Nigerian law.
However, the government’s recent threats appear to contradict these legal protections.
This has brought debate about the balance between national security and the public's right to know about government activities.
Many fear that the government's move could lead to increased secrecy and less accountability.