The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns over what it described as escalating political violence and suppression of opposition activities in Ideato North and Ideato South local government areas in Imo state.
HURIWA called on the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma, to protect all citizens and make sure everyone is free to support any political group without fear.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the National Coordinator, the Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, said it received reports that supporters of a political movement linked to Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere had been attacked and harassed by armed men who claim to be vigilantes.
He also said that some political meetings have been disrupted, with thugs taking over venues and destroying property.
He said it is becoming dangerous, with people’s rights being taken away through fear and violence.
He urged the governor to protect the people as the Chief Security Officer of the state.
According to him, power belongs to the people, and stopping them from exercising their rights is wrong and against the law.
He warned that Nigeria must not slide into a state where “political competition is replaced with coercion,” and called for immediate intervention from the nation’s top security brass.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, and the Minister of Defence to halt all violent attacks against opposition members immediately and withdraw unlawful vigilante groups from political spaces.
He called for a full-scale investigation into the atrocities alleged at “Tiger Base” and urged for the prosecution of individuals involved in recent acts of arson and political violence.
He called on security agencies to act quickly to restore peace and protect the rights of people in Imo state.
He said “History will not be kind to those who choose repression over justice”.
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