Politics
THE foremost civil rights advocacy group; Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has voiced urgent concerns over an alleged plot to deploy a former police commissioner, Mohammed Barde, who was implicated in aiding and abetting a civilian coup during the April 15 supplementary elections in Adamawa State, to Imo State for the upcoming off-season gubernatorial poll in November
HURIWA’s National Coordinator; Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, during a press conference on Sunday expressed deep apprehension about the credibility and integrity of Commissioner Barde, considering his involvement in the electoral malpractice during the April 15 2023 supplementary poll in Adamawa state where he along with the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Adamawa, Babagana Bulama, and Adamawa state NSCDC Commandant Muhammad Bello allegedly aided the discredited Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hudu Yunusa Ari Hudu Yunusa Ari, attempted to force an unpopular choice on the citizens of Adamawa through a ‘civilian coup.
Recalling the events of April 16 in Adamawa State, which shook the foundations of democracy, HURIWA’s Onwubiko strongly emphasized that Barde’s past actions, which undermined the electoral process, make him wholly unsuitable for any future election duty. “Of particular concern is the delicate political climate in Imo State, where a controversial Supreme Court judgment removed Emeka Ihedioha from office and brought in Governor Hope Uzodimma”, HURIWA highlighted.
Hence, HURIWA vehemently condemned any attempts to assign Commissioner Barde to Imo State, given the state’s electoral challenges and the potential risks of further compromising the electoral process. Just as the group demanded that the Nigerian Police Force immediately refer Barde to the Police Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action, highlighting the urgent need to restore public trust in the integrity of the electoral process and the police force.
Also, HURIWA addressed critical questions regarding the handling of Barde’s case, questioning why he was not interdicted and prosecuted, similar to the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner, for his alleged involvement in electoral malpractice during the April 2023 supplementary poll. “The failure to hold Barde accountable raises serious doubts about the commitment to justice and the rule of law within the Nigerian Police Force”.
Furthermore, the organization expressed grave concerns about Barde’s recall after a brief suspension, fueling suspicions of an alleged subterranean plot by Governor Hope Uzodimma to exploit his presence for potential election rigging in Imo State.
Consequently, HURIWA warned that the people of Imo State, along with concerned Nigerians nationwide, are prepared to rise in staunch defense of democracy if this alleged sinister plot is allowed to proceed. The organization emphatically stressed that democracy deserves better than the manipulation and interference of individuals with tainted records and questionable intentions.
Thus, HURIWA called on the Nigerian Police Force to prioritize fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in all aspects of the electoral process in addition to urging Governor Hope Uzodimma and all political actors to respect the sanctity of democracy and refrain from manipulating the electoral process for personal gain.
By and large, HURIWA highlighted the importance of accountability in upholding the integrity of the electoral system and preserving democracy in Nigeria and pledged to monitor developments closely and work tirelessly to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process.
The organization concluded by calling upon civil society organizations, the media, and the Nigerian public to join them in demanding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the conduct of elections.
The concerns raised by HURIWA reflect the collective desire for a transparent and fair electoral process that upholds democratic principles and safeguards the rights of Nigerian citizens.
T
July 9, 2023 @ 9:30 GMT|
Tags: Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko Hudu Yunusa Ari Hudu Yunusa Ari Mohammed Barde
