From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against posting alleged corrupt officials of the commission to conduct Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo States governorship poll.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, claimed that there have been plots by some officials of Imo State government to draft alleged corrupt Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to monitor the November 11.
Onwubiko also claimed that a senior police officer, Mohammed Barde who served as Commissioner of Police, in Adamawa State when the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Hudu Yunusa Ari, criminally declared Aishatu Dahiru as winner of the governorship poll but did nothing is rumoured to be posted to Imo State.
He said: “We wish to emphasize here that Commissioner Barde’s involvement in the Adamawa election, where he was complicit in attempts to manipulate the electoral process, raises serious doubts about his suitability for any future election duty.
“It is evident that he is a bad influence and cannot be trusted to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law.
“Of particular concern is the possibility of Commissioner Barde being deployed to Imo State, given its electoral challenges, including the controversial Supreme Court judgment that removed Emeka Ihedioha from office and brought in the incumbent Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“The delicate nature of the political climate in Imo State makes it even more imperative that individuals with unquestionable integrity and commitment to the democratic process are appointed to oversee the upcoming governorship election.
“HURIWA strongly condemns any attempts to assign Commissioner Barde to a state where his past actions and lack of credibility could potentially compromise the electoral process. We demand that the Nigerian Police Force, instead of reinstating him, refers Commissioner Barde to the Police Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action in line with established procedures.
“The integrity of our electoral system is paramount to the preservation of democracy in Nigeria. It is our duty as citizens and as members of civil society to hold public institutions accountable and ensure that those tasked with upholding the law and protecting our democratic rights do so with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.
“Therefore, HURIWA warns vehemently against the deployment of Commissioner Barde to Imo State or any other state for the November poll. The people of Imo State and Nigerians as a whole will rise in staunch defense of democracy if such a sinister plot is allowed to proceed.
“Our democracy deserves better than the manipulation and interference of individuals with tainted records and questionable intentions.
“We also call on the Nigerian Police Force to provide immediate and satisfactory answers to the questions surrounding the handling of Commissioner Barde’s case.
“The lack of transparency and accountability in this matter undermines public trust in the police force and erodes confidence in our electoral processes.
“Hence HURIWA reiterates the demand for the Nigerian Police Force to refer Commissioner Barde to the Police Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action.
“Any investigation into his actions must be thorough, unbiased, and prompt. The integrity of our electoral system and the preservation of democracy in Nigeria depend on the willingness of our institutions to hold individuals accountable for their misconduct.”
