The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Nigeria Police Force and the Kogi State Government, accusing them of abusing power to frustrate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Police Accused of Political Bias
HURIWA condemned what it described as a conspiracy between the Kogi State Police Command and the state government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, a cousin of former Governor Yahaya Bello.
The advocacy group alleged that authorities are attempting to prevent Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from engaging with her constituents.
“The Nigeria Police Force, an institution meant to uphold justice, has instead become an attack dog and a lapdog of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” HURIWA stated.
HURIWA Calls for Police Independence
The group urged the police to remain independent and uphold their constitutional duty, as mandated by the Police Act of 2020.
“Why is the Kogi State Police Command blindly following political directives from the APC governor, suppressing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights to movement, peaceful assembly, and expression?” HURIWA questioned.
They also called for an investigation into the Commissioner of Police, demanding proof of security threats used as justification for stopping the senator’s activities.
Government Cites Security Concerns
Just 48 hours before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned homecoming event, the Kogi State Government announced a sudden ban on rallies, public gatherings, and even fishing activities, citing security concerns.
Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo justified the decision, claiming it aimed to prevent unrest following incidents that reportedly led to two deaths in certain local government areas.
On Tuesday, the Kogi State Police Command canceled the senator’s rally, citing intelligence reports warning of potential hijacking by hoodlums. Police spokesperson William Aya stated, “We cannot afford to jeopardize the peace in the state.”
HURIWA Rejects Police Justification
HURIWA dismissed these claims, labeling them as a politically motivated misuse of police power.
“The Kogi State Police Command has been reduced to an enforcement arm of APC’s political interests. This is disgraceful and unacceptable,” the group stated.
HURIWA has called for immediate intervention from the police hierarchy to ensure impartiality and adherence to constitutional responsibilities.
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