Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has alleged bias in the ongoing trial of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and called for judicial impartiality.
In a statement on Friday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged the Federal High Court to avoid actions capable of creating the impression of selective justice.
The association expressed concern over what it described as the speedy handling of Sowore’s case, contrasting it with prolonged corruption trials involving politically exposed persons.
It argued that the disparity could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and the administration of justice.
HURIWA urged the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, to consider recusing himself following Sowore’s reported expression of lack of confidence in the court’s impartiality.
The group said assigning the matter to another judge would help preserve the credibility and integrity of the judicial process.
It also cautioned against any move to foreclose the defendant’s case, stressing that every accused person is constitutionally entitled to a fair hearing and adequate opportunity to present a defence.
The association cited lengthy corruption cases involving former governors, including Orji Uzor Kalu, Gabriel Suswam and Darius Ishaku, as examples of what it described as judicial delays.
It questioned why similar urgency had not been applied to those cases while alleging accelerated proceedings in Sowore’s trial.
HURIWA further referenced the prosecution of Nnamdi Kanu, warning against actions that could attract criticism over due process and the rule of law.
The group urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to monitor the proceedings in the interest of justice and public confidence.
It maintained that democracy thrives where criticism is tolerated and called on the judiciary to ensure equal justice for all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation or status.
HURIWA also reiterated its opposition to Sowore’s prosecution by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing it as unnecessary.
The association alleged that continuing the trial despite the defendant’s objections could fuel perceptions of bias, and urged the court to ensure all constitutional safeguards are respected.
HURIWA said the judiciary must remain independent and uphold public confidence by dispensing justice fairly and without political influence.
F.O
Tags: Bias in Sowore trial Fair hearing HURIWA Nnamdi Kanu