t least 11 civil society organisations (CSOs) based in the South-East region have raised the alarm over the alleged oppressive regime of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
Asking Governor Uzodimma to show transparency and accountability in the governance of Imo State rather than hounding those advocating for democratic governance, the groups condemned the continued detention of Chinonso Uba (Nonso Nkwa) and a former commissioner, Dr Fabian Ihekweme.
The CSOs called on local and international human rights organisations, as well as the global community, to join in demanding that Governor Uzodinma upholds freedom of expression and dissent in imo state
They demanded for the unconditional release of human rights defender, Chinonso Uba also known as Nonso Nkwa, and Ihekweme, who has been in detention since October without trial on trumped-up allegations.
The groups which stated this in a statement made available to Saharareporters on Monday, explained that the recent cases of Nonso Nkwa and Dr. Ihekweme, have shown a disturbing pattern of repression targeting journalists, human rights activists, and political dissenters in Imo State.
“Utilising the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Tiger Base, and the State Investigation Department (SID) of the Imo State Police Command Owerri, the governor has resorted to abduction-style tactics against perceived opponents, leading to prolonged detentions, remanding of individuals in prison, and deliberately stalling their trials to silence dissent and keep them out of public view.
“These police units have gained a reputation for rogue and predatory actions, including profiling and arbitrarily arresting young individuals falsely labeled as IPOB members, politically motivated arrests, torture, inhumane treatment of detainees held incommunicado, extortion, and enforced disappearances,” the groups noted.
The CSOs, however, urged the Inspector-General of Police and the police service commission to take action against the misconduct of the rogue units which are being used to continue the human rights abuses and ensure accountability within the police force.
“As Civil Society Organisations operating in the Southeast, we acknowledge the professionalism and integrity demonstrated by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma in his role as the CP of Imo State.
“We commend his commitment, in line with the IGP’s agenda, to uphold the law and maintain order within the state. However, we express our concerns regarding potential political interference from the State Government that may jeopardize his efforts and tarnish his noble reputation.
“It is crucial that the independence of the police is safeguarded to ensure that the Nigerian Police Force can effectively serve the community without undue influence. We urge all stakeholders to support the CP in his pursuit of a secure and just society.
“In this regard, we call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to take decisive action, especially against rogue elements within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and SID in Imo State to ensure that police forces act with integrity and do not become tools of state repression and tyranny.
“We acknowledge the urgent concerns raised by Dr. Ihekweme’s wife regarding her husband’s health and safety, as well as reports concerning Chinonso Uba’s deteriorating condition, including swollen legs indicative of inhumane treatment in pretrial custody.
“We call upon local and international human rights organizations, as well as the global community, to join us in demanding that Governor Hope Uzodinma upholds freedom of expression and dissent in Imo State.
“We urge him to release Chinonso Uba and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme immediately and end his oppressive practices.
“He must address the issues of transparency and accountability in governance in Imo State rather than hounding those advocating for democratic governance.
“We must collectively stand against these violations to safeguard human rights and promote justice in our society,” the statement partly read.
The eleven CSOs who signed the statement are: “Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia State; Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG), Imo state; Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Abia State; Ónúrúbé Coalition Against Gender.
“Concerned citizens for good governance, Owerri, imo state; Initiative For Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria. IPSSEDNET WORK, Enugu State; Better Community Life Initiative, Owerri, Imo State; Center For Rural, Economic & Social Development (CREESOD), Imo State; People Against Drug Dependence & Ignorance, Imo State; Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), Imo State; and Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC).”