World Human Rights Day 2023: Promoting Freedom, Equality, Justice for All

World Human Rights Day 2023: Promoting Freedom, Equality, Justice for All

Read HURIWA on World Human Rights Day 2023

Press Statement By The Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria (HURIWA) On World Human Rights Day 2023: Promoting Freedom, Equality, And Justice For All

*December 10, 2023*

On this significant World Human Rights Day 2023, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) stands at the forefront, championing justice, freedom, and equality for all citizens of our great nation. As we commemorate this day, we address pressing issues that underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to the rule of law.

The rule of law is the cornerstone upon which any thriving democracy is built, safeguarding against arbitrary governance and protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. It is disheartening to observe instances where this fundamental principle is flouted, thereby undermining the very essence of our democratic institutions.

Our foremost concern remains the recent appointments in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, amidst an ongoing legal battle over the removal of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the non-executive chairman. The rule of law, as a cornerstone of democracy, demands that the decisions of the judiciary be respected and adhered to by all, regardless of their position or power.

The recent developments surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the reinstatement of Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as its non-executive chairman exemplify the precarious state of the rule of law in our nation. The Federal High Court in Abuja, in a decisive judgment, reinstated Senator Ararume and declared his removal as wrongful.

HURIWA acknowledges that legal processes are ongoing, with the Federal Government having filed an appeal. However, it is essential to emphasize that until a valid stay of execution is granted, the judgment of the Federal High Court remains binding. We have communicated our concerns directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to respect the court’s decision and seek an amicable settlement with Senator Ararume.

We reiterate our call for a reversal of the recent appointments in NNPC pending the determination of the appeal in Senator Ararume’s case. The president and the federal government must recognize that adherence to the rule of law is not a discretionary choice but an obligation that must be fulfilled to ensure justice for all.

We firmly believe that a nation governed by the rule of law thrives when legal decisions are respected, and all parties act within the bounds of established legal frameworks. Disregarding court orders not only erodes public trust but also undermines the very foundation of our democracy.

In the spirit of World Human Rights Day, we must also address the prolonged and unjust detention of individuals entrusted with critical roles in our nation – Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bawa was arrested by the Department of State Service (DSS) on June 14, 2023, hours after his suspension from office as EFCC Chairman by President Bola Tinubu over alleged abuse of office. Since his arrest and detention, the Secret Police didn’t formally prefer any charge against him or say his specific offence. He was released on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, night from detention.

The Nigerian government had charged the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The case consisting of two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition was filed against Mr Emefiele at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

A copy of the charges as reported in the media showed the case was filed on Thursday, 13 July 2023, the same day a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja gave the State Security Service (SSS) one-week ultimatum to either charge him in court or release him. The SSS had held Mr Emefiele, who was arrested on 10 June, for over a month without charge until that Thursday’s ruling.

On Thursday, August 17, 2023, the Department of State Services (DSS) withdrew firearms charges against the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, citing fresh facts requiring further investigation. Justice Nicholas Oweibo struck out the charges for lack of diligent prosecution after the Director of Public Prosecutions made an oral application for withdrawal. Emefiele’s lawyer insisted on a written application.

The withdrawal was reportedly linked to new corruption charges against Emefiele, accusing him of N6.9bn procurement fraud. The High Court in Abuja adjourned the case until August 23. Emefiele was to be arraigned with a CBN employee and a company, allegedly involved in the purchase of over 98 exotic vehicles and armored buses.

The Department of State Services (DSS), on July 25th, re-arrested the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, at the Federal High Court in Lagos shortly after he was granted bail by Justice Nicholas Oweibo. The re-arrest led to a chaotic situation as DSS operatives clashed with Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officers over custody.

Emefiele was eventually taken by the DSS. The court had granted him bail on charges of illegal possession of firearms, and he pleaded not guilty. The DSS initially resisted signing a custody transfer form but eventually did so after a directive from the NCoS Controller General. The judge granted Emefiele bail in the sum of N20 million with conditions, and he was to be remanded in the custody of the correctional service until bail was perfected.

Their prolonged detention without due process, and in some instances, the disregard for court orders, raise serious concerns about the state of our justice system. The recent resignations of both Emefiele and Bawa under unclear circumstances only deepen the shadows over their detentions. Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability in these matters.

As we celebrate World Human Rights Day, we call on the government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to the resignations of Mr. Emefiele and Mr. Bawa. Upholding the principles of justice requires clarity and accountability in these cases.

Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge the perception that the judiciary has deviated and compromised its independence. The mainstream public opinion is increasingly tainted by suspicions of undue influence and corruption in the judicial system. On this World Human Rights Day, we call on the judiciary to initiate self-reform, ensuring that justice is dispensed impartially and without any external interference.

As we reflect on this year’s theme – “Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All” – let us collectively recommit ourselves to upholding the principles of human rights and the rule of law. The theme underscores the fundamental rights that every individual is entitled to—rights that form the foundation of a just and egalitarian society. Our nation can only thrive when these principles become ingrained in the fabric of our society.

As we commemorate World Human Rights Day, let us collectively reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, equal opportunities, and justice. HURIWA remains resolute in its advocacy for human rights, and we call on all stakeholders, including civil society, the media, and the international community, to join us in holding our government accountable.

We reiterate our call for the reversal of the recent appointments in NNPC pending the determination of the appeal in Senator Ararume’s case. We urge President Tinubu and the federal government to respect the rule of law, adhere to the principles of sub jaundice, and uphold the sanctity of judicial decisions. Let justice be done, and let the rule of law prevail.

In conclusion, HURIWA calls on all stakeholders, including the government, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community, to stand united in demanding respect for the rule of law. The choices we make today will define the course of our nation’s future. Let justice be done, let freedom reign, and let equality be the cornerstone of our democracy.

Thank you.

*Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*

National Coordinator,

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria

December 10, 2023.

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