…As Group Raises Concerns Over Edo 2024 Elections
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, in collaboration with 13 other affiliated non-Governmental organizations have expressed deep concerns over the potential compromise of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
HURIWA and its 13 affiliates, raised alarm towards the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Edo State, Mr. Anugbum Onuoha, who is allegedly a kinsman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The group expressed fear that the body language could undermine the neutrality and integrity of the election process, especially given the close ties between Onuoha and Wike, a Minister under the All Progressives Congress, APC, led Federal Government.
These issues sponsored the basis of a press conference ahead of the election, held on Wednesday 24 September in Abuja, HURIWA and its coalition of 13 affiliated NGOs highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election’s key players.
Addressing newsmen, HURIWA’s National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, questioned INEC’s decision to retain Onuoha despite calls for his redeployment from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
It stated, “The PDP has been vocal about Onuoha’s past service under Wike during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, arguing that such a relationship could compromise his ability to oversee a free and fair election.
The coalition reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process and also association warned that Onuoha’s continued presence could lead to accusations of bias, particularly if the election outcome is contested.
“We are calling on INEC to reconsider its stance on this matter. The refusal to redeploy Mr. Onuoha raises serious questions about the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election in Edo State. INEC’s reputation is on the line, and the Nigerian people deserve an election that is transparent and free of external influences,” HURIWA stated.
Adding to its concerns, Onwubiko pointed to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, whom he claimed is also compromised, saying the Commissioner of Police demonstrated a clear interest in favoring the APC in the lead-up to the election, citing reports of biased policing and arrests targeting PDP chieftains.
According to them, such actions signal a concerted effort to intimidate and undermine the opposition, further calling into question the fairness of the electoral process.
The human rights group, further expressed dismay over the perceived collusion between the Edo State Police Command and the APC, which it claims is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the state, referencing recent incidents, where PDP leaders were allegedly arrested and detained under dubious circumstances, only to be released after prolonged legal battles.
It described this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and stifle its capacity to campaign effectively.
HURIWA therefore, made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser, NSA, urging him to take charge of overseeing security for the election.
“The NSA, as a non-partisan figure, is best positioned to ensure that the police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
“We are calling on the NSA to take immediate and direct control of security operations for the Edo 2024 elections. Given the compromised state of the Edo Police Command and the allegations surrounding its leadership, a non-partisan body must take charge to prevent any form of manipulation or undue influence. The Nigerian people deserve an election that is free from fear, coercion, or intimidation,” HURIWA stated.
The association went on to argue that the involvement of the NSA is necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process. According to HURIWA, the current situation in Edo State threatens to derail the progress made in electoral reforms, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.
In addition, they urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State. The association appealed to diplomatic missions, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, to send observers to the state and ensure that the election is conducted in line with international democratic standards.
“The United States and the United Kingdom should impose visa bans on any individuals found to be involved in undermining the credibility of the Edo State governorship election.
“Edo State is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election will determine the future of its governance. We must not allow any form of compromise or malpractice to mar this critical process. We are calling on the international community to stand with the people of Edo and ensure that their right to vote is protected,” HURIWA concluded.
The affiliates included; CITIZENS ACTIONS 4 EMPOWERMENT, CENTRE FOR PEOPLE SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY, EQUITY AND CONSTITUTION INITIATIVES, DEMOCRATS FOR TRANSPARENCY, EXCELLENT FOCUS ON DEMOCRACY. YOUNG WOMEN & YOUTHS DEVELOPMENT CAUCUS, INITIATIVE FOR COMMUNITY RAPID DEVELOPMENT HUMANITARIAN SERVICES CENTRE
Others were; SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND PROGRESS INSTITUTE, CHILD CARE AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FORUM, CENTRE FOR WOMEN DECISION MAKING, ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN WRITERS ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES RIGHTS, AFRIRIGHTS.
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