The Concerned Students Movement has called on the federal government to end the continued victimisation of student activists, journalists, and civil society actors.

In a statement on Thursday jointly signed by its coordinator, Feranmi Gabriel, and secretary, Omolaye Emmanuel, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, the group urged the government to end the continued victimisation of student activists, journalists, and civil society actors.

“The continued disregard for citizens’ rights, across the country, raises serious questions about the quality of governance and respect for civil liberties,” the statement said.

The group said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence had yet to translate into improved quality of life and livelihood for citizens, particularly youths and children.

It noted that, without a doubt, one of Nigeria’s enduring limitations has been the failure of constituted authorities to adequately address and halt persistent attacks on civil liberties and fundamental rights.

The group said the continued victimisation of University of Ibadan student activists Aduwo Ayodele, Mide Gbadegesin and Nice Linus, the alleged persecution of anti-bad-governance activists such as Omoyele Sowore, Hassan Soweto and Abbey Trotsky, as well as the recent arrests of ‘Tinubu Must Go’ protesters, among other cases in the public domain, indicated what it described as the continued disregard for citizens’ rights by the country’s leadership.

“At 66, we state emphatically that there can be no meaningful progress for Nigeria when the rights and liberties of citizens remain under persistent attack by institutions, agencies and individuals who occupy positions of authority,” the group said.

It called for justice in cases involving alleged violations of citizens’ rights and urged the government to address poverty, hunger and insecurity.

“True independence begins with respecting the rights of Nigerian citizens and addressing the deepening welfare crises of poverty, hunger and insecurity,” it said.