The South-South Youth Amalgamation (SSYA), on Friday, condemned the recent reports released by Amnesty International (AI) on Nigeria’s security situation, describing them as biased, misleading, and a threat to national sovereignty.

The group further accused Amnesty International of frequently overstepping its human rights mandate and operating as a political tool rather than as an impartial observer.

In a statement by its Convener, John Albert Clarkson, the group accused Amnesty International of repeating a pattern of selective reporting aimed at undermining Nigerian leadership, just as it allegedly did during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said: “We find these reports not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the sovereignty of our nation in the same manner they discredited the leadership of our former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

“It is imperative to highlight the role that AI has played in shaping public perception against President Jonathan during his tenure and beyond, ultimately contributing to his rejection by the Nigerian populace in 2024.

“Amnesty International has a history of overstepping its mandate, often acting as a political tool rather than an impartial human rights organization. The recent reports on Nigeria are no exception. They paint a picture of chaos and ineptitude in our security forces without acknowledging the complex realities on the ground.

“This selective reporting has historically been used to vilify leaders who prioritize national integrity over foreign interests. In the case of President Jonathan, AI’s relentless criticism during his administration served to delegitimize his efforts to stabilize the nation, particularly in the face of insurgency and regional instability. As a result, his leadership was unjustly cast in a negative light, contributing to a narrative that ultimately led to his electoral defeat.

“Today, as Nigeria witnesses a resurgence in political stability and economic growth, it is clear that President Jonathan’s policies were more effective than AI would have the world believe. The South-South Youth Amalgamation recognizes that the former President’s commitment to peace and development has been vindicated, as Nigeria emerges stronger and more united. It is essential to acknowledge the progress made under his leadership, which AI chose to ignore in favor of sensationalism and bias.

“The pattern of backlash against Amnesty International is not unique to Nigeria. Across the globe, governments have expelled or restricted AI’s operations, perceiving its actions as provocative and an infringement on internal affairs. In Russia, AI’s Moscow office was shut down under accusations of undermining national stability.

“Similarly, in India, the government froze AI India’s accounts, claiming the organization promoted an “anti-India agenda.” These instances illustrate a growing recognition among nations that AI’s reports often serve as instruments of foreign interference rather than objective assessments of human rights conditions.”

The SSYA urged Amnesty International to adopt a more balanced, informed, and context-sensitive approach in its reporting on Nigeria and other nations.

The group also called on the Nigerian government to critically reassess its engagement with the organization.

Clarkson called on Nigerian leaders to distance themselves from Amnesty International and instead promote accurate, objective reporting on national issues.

He added, “In Turkey, the arrest of AI Turkey’s director and staff highlighted the perception that AI was engaging in political activism rather than neutral human rights monitoring. The Turkish government accused AI of collusion with terrorist organizations, a charge that reflects the broader narrative of governments resisting external meddling in their internal affairs.

“The same accusations were echoed in Venezuela, where the government expelled AI for documenting human rights abuses, labeling the organization as part of a foreign interventionist agenda.”