Politics
By Anthony Isibor
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has condemned what it described as escalating political violence and suppression of opposition activities in parts of Imo State, calling for urgent intervention by federal authorities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, April 29 2916 and signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko, it’s National Coordinator, the group expressed “grave alarm” over developments in Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas, warning that the situation reflects “a dangerous descent into lawlessness.”
HURIWA accused the state government of failing to protect democratic freedom, urging Governor Hope Uzodinma to uphold his constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
“The Governor must not preside over a system where dissent is treated as a crime and opposition voices are violently silenced,” the group said.
The organisation cited reports alleging that supporters of a political movement linked to Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere have faced repeated attacks, harassment and intimidation by armed individuals described as operating under the guise of vigilantes.
It further alleged attempts to disrupt lawful political gatherings, including the seizure of venues, destruction of property, and intimidation of participants engaged in constitutionally protected activities.
HURIWA noted that such actions violate the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, peaceful assembly and participation in governance.
“Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government derives all its powers and legitimacy,” the statement said, stressing that any attempt to suppress these rights is unconstitutional and illegal.
The group also warned that the Imo State Government would be held accountable if the violence persists, noting that the governor, as Chief Security Officer, bears the responsibility for maintaining law and order in the state.
In addition, HURIWA raised concerns over alleged human rights abuses at the “Tiger Base,” an anti-kidnapping unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Owerri, referencing findings by Amnesty International.
The alleged abuses include arbitrary detention, torture, extortion, enforced disappearances and inhumane detention conditions, according to the report.
HURIWA described the allegations as violations of Nigeria’s Constitution and the Anti-Torture Act of 2017, calling for an independent investigation and prosecution of officers found culpable.
The group urged key security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Minister of Defence, to take immediate steps to restore order and protect citizens’ rights in the state.
Among its demands, HURIWA called for:
An immediate end to attacks and intimidation of opposition members, withdrawal of armed groups from political spaces, protection of lawful assemblies, prosecution of perpetrators of violence and full investigation into alleged abuses at Tiger Base.
The organisation warned against allowing political competition to degenerate into violence and coercion, stressing that democracy thrives on rule of law, tolerance and accountability.
“History will not be kind to those who choose repression over justice,” the statement added.
A.I
April 30, 2026
Tags: Emmanuel Onwubiko HURIWA