The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police in Osun State to remove individuals unlawfully occupying local government council offices under the guise of being All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticised the illegal occupation, stating that it contravenes a binding Federal High Court judgment in the APP case. He urged all parties to respect the ruling, which he described as the definitive legal position.
HURIWA called on the National Security Adviser and the Minister of Police Affairs to investigate security agencies’ failure to prevent the unlawful actions and hold any complicit officers accountable. The group also pressed the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) to organise fresh local government elections without delay, in line with the Electoral Act, 2022.
Onwubiko emphasised the need for political parties to present candidates for democratic contests rather than resort to violence or illegal occupation. He also appealed to civil society organisations, the media, and the public to remain vigilant against efforts to undermine democracy and the rule of law.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law, aided by the indifference of security agencies, is an affront to the judicial process and risks plunging Osun State into chaos,” Onwubiko said. He criticised the police for failing to enforce the Federal High Court’s judgment nullifying the 2022 local government elections and expelling the APC officials.
HURIWA reiterated that Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution mandates security forces to uphold court decisions, warning that their inaction amounts to dereliction of duty. The group stressed that there are no legal obstacles preventing OSSIEC from conducting fresh elections and declared the council offices legally vacant.
The group urged all political parties, including the APC, to prepare for credible elections and called on voters to defend their democratic rights through peaceful and fair polls.
