Amnesty International’s Hypocrisy: The Sokoto Case and Selective Advocacy

By Aminu Mohammed

Amnesty International’s recent call for the Sokoto State Government to drop purported charges against a young local home video actress reflects a troubling pattern of selective activism. While the organization claims to be a defender of justice and human rights, its glaring silence on critical human rights issues, especially in the Southeast and Northern Nigeria, exposes a troubling bias.

Consider the detention of underage children and their placement in the dock recently—an incident that went unremarked by Amnesty. Similarly, a naval officer was allegedly secretly detained by his boss, denied due process, and later dismissed from service. These egregious human rights violations received no condemnation from Amnesty. Why the silence? Why the selective outrage?

The recent frenzy surrounding Sokoto is another example of Amnesty’s skewed priorities. At the heart of this controversy is a petition filed by the Village Head of Sabon Birnin Daji against a suspected questionable actress named Hamdiya, who was reported to have masqueraded as the owner of a rescue Non-Governmental Organization. This individual, through false claims and inciting videos, sought to manipulate public emotions and tarnish the state’s reputation. However, her true character was exposed when villagers in Sabon Birni, a village in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State, publicly disowned her. This revelation came just a week after a respected Kannywood actor debunked her pretentious claims of providing salvation to Sokoto villagers in bandit-ravaged communities.

Instead of lauding the efforts of concerned stakeholders, especially the Village Head who filed the petition, Amnesty International and its allies have chosen to vilify Sokoto state government. One must ask: Why is Sokoto being dragged into a matter of due process that the government had no direct hand in initiating?

Particularly disturbing is the involvement of UK-based lawyer Bulama Bukarti, a known PDP apologist, who has joined the chorus of politically motivated attacks against Sokoto. His actions, like those of others in this orchestrated campaign, appear to prioritize partisan interests over truth and justice.

Moreover, Amnesty’s silence on the billions extorted by bandits from Northern families under the guise of “taxes” for farming is baffling. These are real, devastating human rights violations. Families are impoverished, livelihoods destroyed, and countless lives lost, yet Amnesty seems unmoved.

Equally glaring is Amnesty’s inaction on the Southeast’s infamous “no-work Mondays,” imposed by non-state actors. This imposition has crippled livelihoods, forced businesses to shut down, and deprived citizens of their fundamental rights to work and provide for their families. How is this not a blatant violation of human rights? Amnesty has failed to address the plight of those who suffer under this unofficial, unlawful directive.

In Kano, the government once demolished buildings officially allocated to citizens, leaving many without recourse. Again, Amnesty chose silence, showing a disturbing inconsistency in its advocacy. Is Amnesty a genuine human rights organization or merely a political tool serving selective interests?

The Sokoto State Government has been unfairly dragged into this matter despite having no direct involvement in the petition against the fraudulent actress. It is commendable that the government continues to focus on maintaining peace and stability in a region already grappling with insecurity. The criticisms leveled against Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu are not only unfounded but also reek of political motivations aimed at discrediting a government committed to maintaining order.

Amnesty International’s credibility is at stake. Its selective advocacy undermines its legitimacy and alienates the very communities it claims to protect. If Amnesty genuinely seeks to defend human rights, it must address the glaring injustices perpetrated by non-state actors like bandits and the systemic failures of state institutions that harm ordinary Nigerians daily.

This politically motivated gang-up against Sokoto must be called out for what it is—a deliberate attempt to twist facts and undermine lawful governance. The Sokoto State Government, which has remained committed to fairness and due process, must be exonerated of any wrongdoing. Let us not allow bias and selective outrage to obscure the truth.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s performance continues to overshadow the efforts of detractors bent on tarnishing his administration. Those with subjective mindsets should assess the present administration objectively and recognize its achievements.

*Mohammed is based in Sokoto