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.

By David Owei

The reasons for the current crisis brewing in Ogboinbiri community in southern Ijaw local government areas of Bayelsa state has emerged.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Easter day Ayibatairi,chief Press secretary to the Executive chairman of Southern ljaw local government area.

According to him,the Youth President of Ogboinbiri Community,Mr. Experience Pere whose tenure along with the Community Development Committee ( CDC) has expired but is still parading as such was allegedly caught with some metal electric poles yesterday suspected to have been stolen.He was reported by some indigenes of the community led by one Maxwell to men and officers of the anti-piracy unit at Ogboinbiri.
He further explained that Mr. Experience Pere and some of his supporters took offense against Mr. Maxwell who reported the matter to the police so went on rampage, destroying some buildings belonging to the Paramount Ruler,His Royal Highness Okosughe Eseimokumo and others.
The irate youths also attacked some people suspected to be family members and supporters of the Paramount Ruler.
Information at the Council’s disposal has it that family members of the Paramount Ruler and his supporters who were attacked and stoned with bottles by the Experience led group went on reprisal attack, leading to one Ifolo whose second name could not be obtained at the time of this brief sustaining injury on his head.He was rushed to the Ogboinbiri Cottage hospital for medical attention where doctors confirmed him dead.
Council is further briefed that several dozens of indigenes have fled the community for fear of the unknown while three suspects have been arrested in connection with the uprise .
“The present crisis is not connected to the Ogboinbiri chieftaincy dispute.
Recall the Southern Ijaw Local Government Council chairman, Honourable Target Isaiah Segibo has severally led Council delegations to Ogboinbiri community that has been engulfed in crisis with all the efforts proving abortive.”
“Council is also aware that the Assured Prosperity administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri set up Committees headed by Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government,Professor Nimibofa Ayawe and another one headed by Senator Friday Kombowei Benson.
We call on law enforcement agencies to move in and restore peace to avoid escalation of the crisis and bring perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.
As a government,we condemn all forms of lawlessness in our communities,as such is capable of destroying public and private assets as well as endanger lives of our people.
Council is already on top of the matter.” he stated.

By Our Correspondent

The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a fresh turn, with the faction led by David Mark appealing to the Supreme Court of Nigeria for an expedited judgment on the party’s protracted legal dispute.

In a letter dated April 28, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the faction warned that any further delay in delivering judgment could jeopardize the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.

The apex court had, on April 22, reserved judgment in an appeal filed by Mark, challenging earlier rulings on the ADC leadership tussle.

The appeal, marked SC/CV/180/2026, contests the decision of the Court of Appeal, which upheld a lower court ruling against his faction.

Mark, a former Senate President, argued before the court that the appellate court overstepped its bounds by interfering in what he described as the internal affairs of a political party.

The dispute originated from a September 4, 2025 judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which was instituted by Nafiu Bala. Bala, who claims to be the legitimate national chairman of the party, is challenging what he described as an unlawful takeover of the ADC structure by the Mark-led faction.

Following the lower court’s ruling, the Court of Appeal, in a judgment delivered on March 12, 2026, dismissed Mark’s appeal, effectively affirming the earlier decision and deepening the internal rift within the party.

In the letter signed by the party’s counsel, Shaibu Enejoh Aruwa, the Mark faction alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acting on the strength of the appellate court judgment, has already moved to de-recognise the party’s leadership.

According to the faction, this development has left the ADC without a legally recognised leadership structure, despite remaining a duly registered political party.

The letter stressed that ongoing electoral preparations by INEC, including the release of its timetable for the 2027 elections, have heightened the urgency of the situation.

The Mark led faction warned that failure by the Supreme Court to deliver judgment within three days of the letter could have dire consequences.

It argued that without a clear leadership structure affirmed by the court, the party would be unable to meet statutory requirements necessary to participate in the elections.

“Without the delivery of judgment within the next three days the ADC stands the grave and irreversible risk of being excluded from participating in the 2027 General Election,” the letter stated.

The faction further noted that such an outcome would disenfranchise millions of Nigerians who identify with the party and wish to contest elections under its platform.

While acknowledging the workload of the court, the ADC counsel urged the Chief Justice to intervene in ensuring that judgment is delivered promptly, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of the matter.

The letter argued that in the peculiar circumstances of the case, any delay in judgment would effectively amount to a denial of justice, given the looming electoral deadlines and the implications for democratic participation.