Politics
…urges police to intervene
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed grave concern over the flagrant disregard for the rule of law exhibited by Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, who continues to occupy the office of National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite a clear and binding judgment by the Court of Appeal removing him from office.
HURIWA has also urged the Inspector-General of Police to immediately enforce the court’s decision and restore order, warning that the government’s inaction risks undermining Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
HURIWA recalled that the Court of Appeal had ruled that Anyanwu’s tenure as PDP National Secretary was void following his resignation to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election in Imo State. “The ruling, anchored on Section 47(5) of the PDP Constitution, emphasized that an officer who resigns to contest an election cannot return to their previous position. The judgment also underscored that a mere appeal to the Supreme Court does not equate to a stay of execution, as established in legal precedents like Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1986) 3 NWLR (Pt. 26) 39,” HURIWA noted.
HURIWA described Anyanwu’s actions as an egregious affront to constitutional democracy and a blatant act of self-help, facilitated by the apparent complicity of powerful interests within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The association accused the APC-led federal government of using Anyanwu’s illegal occupation as a tool to destabilize the PDP, thereby weakening political opposition in Nigeria ahead of the next electoral cycle.
“It is deeply troubling that Anyanwu, whose removal was unequivocally ordered by the Court of Appeal, continues to act with impunity by occupying the PDP Secretariat. His actions are not only a violation of the court’s decision but also a brazen challenge to the rule of law,” HURIWA stated.
The association cited Section 287(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which mandates all authorities, including the police, to enforce the decisions of the Court of Appeal. HURIWA noted that the police’s failure to act in this case sets a dangerous precedent, undermining public confidence in the judiciary and the nation’s legal system.
HURIWA also referred to Abe v. PDP (2016) LPELR-40051(SC), where the Supreme Court emphasized the binding nature of judicial decisions. It stressed that Anyanwu’s continued presence in office, without a valid stay of execution, constitutes contempt of court.
The group further highlighted Section 66(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which disqualifies individuals from holding public office if they violate their political party’s constitution. By defying the PDP Constitution and the Court of Appeal’s judgment, Anyanwu has not only disrespected legal norms but a7lso jeopardized the integrity of the party’s leadership structure.
HURIWA criticized the PDP’s internal response, describing it as weak and ineffective in the face of such a serious violation. The association warned that tolerating impunity within the party would undermine its credibility and cohesion, making it vulnerable to external manipulation.
“The rule of law is non-negotiable in any democracy, and Nigeria cannot afford to allow a culture of impunity to fester. Anyanwu’s actions, if left unchecked, could embolden other politicians to disregard judicial rulings, thereby eroding the foundations of our legal system,” HURIWA cautioned.
The group also decried the federal government’s role in enabling this crisis, accusing it of weaponizing state institutions to stifle opposition. HURIWA argued that the government’s inaction reflects a broader strategy to weaken political adversaries and consolidate power, undermining Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“This is not just about the PDP; it is about the survival of democracy in Nigeria. The police must act immediately to enforce the court’s ruling and remove Anyanwu from the PDP Secretariat. Anything short of this will signal that Nigeria is sliding into a lawless state where court orders are meaningless,” HURIWA declared.
The association concluded by urging Nigerians to demand accountability and respect for the rule of law from both the government and political actors. It called on the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding constitutional principles and warned that tolerating impunity could lead to chaos and instability.
“Impunity has consequences, and if allowed to persist, it could plunge the nation into a crisis that would be difficult to resolve. The government must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by ensuring that the Court of Appeal’s judgment is respected and enforced,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also called on the PDP leadership to take decisive action to restore order within the party and safeguard its internal democracy. It emphasized that the party’s constitution is binding on all members and that no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law
The association concluded by urging Nigerians to demand accountability and respect for the rule of law from both the government and political actors. It called on the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding constitutional principles and warned that tolerating impunity could lead to chaos and instability.
“Impunity has consequences, and if allowed to persist, it could plunge the nation into a crisis that would be difficult to resolve. The government must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by ensuring that the Court of Appeal’s judgment is respected and enforced,” HURIWA stated.
The association concluded by urging Nigerians to demand accountability and respect for the rule of law from both the government and political actors. It called on the judiciary to remain steadfast in upholding constitutional principles and warned that tolerating impunity could lead to chaos and instability.
“Impunity has consequences, and if allowed to persist, it could plunge the nation into a crisis that would be difficult to resolve. The government must demonstrate its commitment to democracy by ensuring that the Court of Appeal’s judgment is respected and enforced,” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA also called on the PDP leadership to take decisive action to restore order within the party and safeguard its internal democracy. It emphasized that the party’s constitution is binding on all members and that no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law.
A.i
Jan, 14, 29o
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