The Adamawa State government has been urged to investigate allegations of abuse of power, human rights abuse, and intimidation in the distribution of Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) forms in Karewa ward.
The allegations involve Tambe Bako, the councillor representing Karewa Ward, Ben Solomon, Damiijida Gambo, and CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Karewa division.
According to reports, Annah Sunday, a resident of Bachure Community, Karewa Ward, alleged that some politicians, including one Honourable from Karewa Ward, demanded sex in exchange for PAWECA forms.
When her video surfaced online, she was forced to apologise and retract her statement, allegedly under duress.
Meanwhile, the Mara Ngorheme Regreen Initiative (MANGRI) has petitioned the governor to take immediate action to address the matter and ensure justice is served.
The group in the petition signed by its Programmes Manager, Comrade Suleiman A. Abubakar, requested that the governor investigate the allegations, hold politicians accountable, ensure police accountability, and protect Annah Sunday from further harassment or intimidation.
“We witnessed a deeply disturbing incident at the Karewa Divisional Police Headquarters in Adamawa State, Nigeria,” Comrade Abubakar said in the petition.
The petition alleges that Annah Sunday was detained, intimidated, and harassed on the orders of a high-profile politician from Yola North Local Government Area, using the Councillor of Karewa Ward.
“The presence of these individuals raised concerns about the potential influence of politics and power in the handling of the case.”
The petition also alleges that CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde, the DPO, behaved unprofessionally and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
“The alleged forced apology and detention of Annah Sunday are unacceptable and undermine the trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Adamawa State Command,” the petition stated.
The petitioners urged Governor Fintiri to take immediate action to address the matter and ensure that justice is served.
“We humbly urge you to investigate the allegations made by Annah Sunday and take disciplinary action against those found culpable,” the petition stated.
The petition also requested that the Governor call Vandi Yusuf (Special Assistant to the Governor), Ben Solomon, Honourable Damiijida Gambo, and other politicians who interrupted the work of the police and influenced the handling of the case to account for their actions.
The situation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in government programs and the importance of protecting the rights of citizens, especially women and vulnerable populations.
The petitioners said they hoped that Governor Fintiri would take a swift action to address the matter and restore trust and confidence in his administration.