The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a prominent pro-democracy advocacy group, has vehemently condemned the Nigeria Police Force and the Kogi State Government for what it calls a blatant abuse of power targeting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
HURIWA criticized an alleged collusion between the Kogi State Police and the state government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, who is related to former Governor Yahaya Bello and a political rival of Akpoti-Uduaghan. They claim this conspiracy aims to prevent the senator from visiting her family home and interacting with her constituents.
HURIWA has expressed its dismay over the Nigeria Police Force transforming from a constitutional institution serving the public good into what they describe as an “attack dog” and “lapdog” for the All Progressives Congress (APC). They urged the police to maintain its independence and professionalism as outlined in the Police Act of 2020.
The organization questioned why the Kogi State Police Command would uncritically adhere to the political directives of the APC governor, effectively violating the police’s constitutional responsibilities and infringing upon Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights, including freedom of movement and expression.
HURIWA called for an investigation into the Commissioner of Police, demanding proof of the alleged security threats used to justify what they view as a politically motivated crackdown on the senator. They noted that just 48 hours before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned homecoming event, the Kogi State Government suddenly imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns related to recent incidents that led to fatalities in the area. Kogi’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, defended this decision as a preventive measure against potential threats.
On Tuesday, the Kogi State Police Command canceled a planned rally, citing an “intelligence report” that indicated a potential hijacking by hoodlums. Police spokesperson William Aya explained that the intelligence pointed to a risk of disturbance and emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining peace in the state.
However, HURIWA rejected these claims, labeling them as a “primitive and unconstitutional misuse of police powers.” The organization argued that the Kogi State Police have become mere enforcers of APC political interests, describing them as the “official lapdog” and “attack dog” for the party, a transformation they deemed “despicable and condemnable.”