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Imo Under Siege:HURIWA Condemns State-Enabled Political Violence,Demands Urgent Federal Intervention

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By George Mgbeleke

Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expresses grave alarm and unequivocal condemnation over the escalating wave of politically motivated violence, intimidation, and unlawful suppression of opposition activities in Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas of Imo State.

What is unfolding in Imo State is not merely a political disagreement—it is a dangerous descent into lawlessness, where democratic freedoms are being systematically eroded through force, fear, and impunity.Demans

HURIWA calls on the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to immediately rise to the constitutional responsibilities of his office by guaranteeing the safety, rights, and freedoms of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. The Governor must not preside over a system where dissent is treated as a crime and opposition voices are violently silenced.

We are deeply troubled by credible and consistent reports indicating that supporters of a rising political formation in Ideato North—associated with Honourable Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, a sitting member of the House of Representatives—have been subjected to repeated violent attacks, harassment, and intimidation allegedly perpetrated by armed individuals operating under the guise of vigilantes.

Particularly disturbing are reports of attempts to sabotage lawful political gatherings, including the alleged deployment of armed thugs to seize venues, disrupt events, and even destroy property belonging to citizens engaged in constitutionally protected political activities. Such actions are not only provocative but amount to a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic framework.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended) is clear and binding. It guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and participation in governance. These rights are not privileges granted at the discretion of any government—they are fundamental, inalienable, and enforceable.

Let it be stated without ambiguity:

SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA, FROM WHOM GOVERNMENT DERIVES ALL ITS POWERS AND LEGITIMACY.

Consequently, any attempt by any authority—state or non-state actors—to suppress, intimidate, or violently obstruct citizens from exercising these rights is null, void, unconstitutional, and illegal.

HURIWA warns that the Imo State Government cannot abdicate responsibility or feign ignorance. Under both constitutional and moral obligations, the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and bears ultimate responsibility for any breakdown of law and order within his jurisdiction.

Should these acts of violence persist, the Government of Imo State will be held accountable—both nationally and internationally—for enabling an environment where democratic rights are trampled upon with impunity.

Furthermore, HURIWA draws urgent attention to the deeply disturbing revelations by Amnesty International regarding the operations of the so-called “Tiger Base,” the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Owerri. The report paints a horrifying picture of entrenched human rights abuses, including:

Prolonged arbitrary detention without trial
Systematic torture and inhumane treatment
Extortion and exploitation of detainees
Enforced disappearances
Separation of children from their mothers without documentation
Detention in overcrowded, unsanitary, and life-threatening conditions

These practices are a direct violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, and binding international human rights obligations. They represent not only institutional failure but a stain on the conscience of the nation.

HURIWA demands an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into these allegations, with a view to prosecuting all culpable officers and dismantling any structure that enables such atrocities.

In light of the rising tension and the clear threat to public peace, HURIWA urgently calls on:

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
The Honourable Minister of Defence

to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard lives, protect property, and ensure that the constitutional rights of all Nigerians—especially those in Imo State—are upheld without compromise.

Nigeria must not be allowed to slide into a state where political competition is replaced with coercion, and where the rule of law is subordinated to the rule of might.

Democracy is not sustained by intimidation, violence, or repression. It thrives on tolerance, inclusivity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

We therefore demand:

An immediate cessation of all violent attacks and intimidation against opposition members
The withdrawal of all armed thugs and unlawful vigilante groups from political spaces
The protection of all lawful political gatherings and assemblies
The prosecution of individuals involved in acts of violence and arson
A full-scale investigation into human rights abuses at “Tiger Base”

The people of Imo State—and indeed all Nigerians—must not be denied their democratic rights by any individual or authority.

History will not be kind to those who choose repression over justice, or violence over democracy.

Enough is Enough.

Law & Crime

Lifu Judgement : ADC Guber Candidates Forum Seeks Int. Community’s Intervention

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By Grorge Abuja
As the awaits the outcome of Justice Peter Lifu’s judgment invalidating Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ( ADC), a Forum of the African Democratic Congress gubernatorial candidates has condemned the ruling and sought the intervention of International community.

Recall that Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court ,Abuja had in its judgment invalidated Sen. David Mark led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

The Forum had at a Press Conference on thursday at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja , described the judgment as a dangerous assault on multi party democracy and a threat to Nigetian’ s 2027 electoral process.

A former member of the house of Representatives and ADC kwara state gubernatorial candidates, Hon Zakari Mohammed who spoke on behalf of the forum urged the international Community to monitor the development and process leading to the 2027 general election.

He said ” We Call on the International Community, African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations, Commonwealth and Democratic Institutions Worldwide to Intervene Against the Growing Threat to Opposition Politics in Nigeria.
Distinguished members of the press, fellow Nigerians, representatives of the international community, ladies and gentlemen.
We address you today on behalf of the Forum of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Gubernatorial Candidates across Nigeria, at a defining moment in the history of our democracy.

“We are compelled to speak out against the November 5, 2026 judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified the leadership of the ADC under Senator David Mark and invalidated decisions taken under that leadership,
This judgment has profound implications beyond the internal affairs of the ADC. It raises fundamental questions about judicial consistency, political participation, the independence of democratic institutions and the future of multiparty democracy in Nigeria.

“We consider the decision a grave assault on democratic freedoms and a development capable of destabilising the 2027 electoral process if its implications are not urgently addressed through lawful constitutional remedies.

“We hereby formally draw the attention of the international community to the unfolding developments in Nigeria.
We call on:
The United Nations Secretary-General and relevant democratic institutions of the United Nations.
The African Union Commission and its Peace and Security Council.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Commonwealth Secretariat.
The European Union and European Parliament.
The United States Government and the United Kingdom Government.
International human rights organisations and democracy-monitoring institutions.
International election observation organisations.

“We urge these institutions to closely monitor developments surrounding opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
We specifically call on them to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the relevant Nigerian authorities on the need to guarantee political pluralism, judicial independence, freedom of association and equal opportunities for all political parties.

“We are not inviting foreign governments to dictate Nigeria’s political choices or interfere in the legitimate judicial process.
Rather, we are asking the international community to uphold the democratic commitments Nigeria has voluntarily undertaken and to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens to participate in free and competitive elections are protected.
Nigeria cannot sign international democratic instruments, make commitments to democratic governance and subsequently treat those obligations as ceremonial documents”

The Forum called on the appellate courts to urgently examine the judgment of Justice Peter Lifu and determine the issues raised in accordance with the Constitution, established judicial precedents and the rule of law.

It urged President Tinubu to create the environment that will guarantee free participation than harassment and muzzling of the opposition .

“You cannot demand democratic legitimacy while allowing an environment in which opposition parties face persistent uncertainty over their ability to organise and contest elections.
If you seek another mandate, face the Nigerian people.
Present your achievements, defend your policies and submit yourself to the judgment of the electorate.
That is the essence of democracy.
The opposition is not an enemy of Nigeria. Political disagreement is not treason. Competition for public office is not an act of hostility against the state”

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Law & Crime

Niger Police Assures FUT Minna of Enhanced Security

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BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The Niger State Police Command has assured the management of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, of sustained police patrols and enhanced security around the university to protect students, staff and property.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adamu Faruk Kuta, and his entourage during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-kura, Minna.

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Police for their prompt response to distress calls and security requests, as well as their continued support in maintaining safety within and around the university environment.

Professor Kuta said the institution, which is approaching its 44th anniversary, has a growing population of about 40,000 students from different parts of the country, making sustained collaboration with the Police necessary to ensure the safety of students, staff and university facilities.

He disclosed that the university had recently commenced medical programmes and sought the support of the Police Command in providing opportunities for students to undertake practical training where necessary.

The Vice-Chancellor also praised the commitment and visibility of police patrol teams around the institution, while requesting sustained and increased deployment to address security challenges associated with its growing population.

Responding, CP Elleman described the university’s requests as part of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the institution.

He assured the Vice-Chancellor of improved collaboration, sustained police presence and enhanced patrols around the university, particularly at night, to protect students engaged in legitimate academic activities and prevent criminal activities.

The Commissioner urged the university management to promptly report security concerns to the Police, assuring them of the Command’s readiness to respond appropriately.

He further assured the delegation that all the requests presented would receive adequate attention, while expressing appreciation for the visit and reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the university management.

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Law & Crime

Suspected cultists kill rival member in Bayelsa, hid his mutilated corpse in a sack

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By David Owei,Bayelsa
There was a sense of horror in Yenagoa, the Bayelsà following the suspected cultists killing of a rival and his his mutilated corpse in a sack.

The sack containing the mutilated body of the victim, according to sources, was dropped in front of the FCMB bank located at Obele junction in the outskirts of the State capital.

The incident according to sources occured on Monday night and the Corpse was discovered on Tuesday Morning.

The killing of the deceased has again threatened the peace recorded under the present leadership of the Police led by Commissioner Ajao Saka Adewale.

Investigation by our correspondent gathered that the deceased, whose identity is yet to be known, was reported to have defected from the notorious cult group, Greenlanders to rival notorious group known as Bobos.

And was accused to have led members of his new group on a “proof of loyalty,” to allegedly attack and kill a member of his former group at the back of Amarata.

It was gathered that suspected members of the Greenlanders were allegedly provoked and reportedly lures him out with a woman and death him several deadly matchet cuts.

Some Residents of the Obele area confirmed to newsmen that the Corpse of the deceased was kept carefully in a sack soaked in blood and left by the FCMB bank.

Concerned Youths and vigilante group contacted the police and the sack was evacuated.

In the last three days after the discovery of the bagged corpse, residents of the Sand Road, Aritalin, GweGwe and Obele streets have been thrown into restless nights due to the activities of the rival cult groups searching for one another.

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