By Ishaya Ibrahim
Eleven civil society groups have accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of repressing critics with rogue police units in Imo State.
A joint statement signed by the group highlighted the arrests of a broadcast journalist Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonso Nkwa and a political opponent, Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, as the latest victims of Uzodinma.
The groups express regret that despite the professionalism and integrity demonstrated by Imo Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma, the rogue officers at Anti Kidnapping Unit at Tiger Base and the State Investigation Department continue to undermine him.
They called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun to take decisive action, especially against the rogue elements within the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Tiger Base, and SID in Imo State to ensure that police forces act with integrity and do not become tools of state repression and tyranny.
The statement reads in full.
“We, the undersigned civil society organizations in Southeast Nigeria, express our profound concern over the recent cases of Chinonso Uba (Nonso Nkwa) and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, who have become the latest victims of the oppressive regime under Governor Hope Uzodinma.
“These instances exemplify a disturbing pattern of repression targeting journalists, human rights activists, and political dissenters in Imo State.
“Utilizing 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.
“We urge the Inspector-General of Police and the police service commission (the external oversight body for the police) to take action against the misconduct of these rogue units and ensure accountability within the police force.
“As Civil Society Organizations 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.
Signed:
1. Foundation For Environmental Righhts,Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia State
2. Sisters With A GOAL INITIATIVE (SWAG), Imo state.
3. Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Abia State
4. ÓNÚRÚBÉ COALITION AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN THE SOUTHEAST.
5. Concerned citizens for good governance, Owerri, imo state
6. Initiative For Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria. IPSSEDNETWORK, Enugu State
7. Better Community Life Initiative, Owerri, Imo State
8. Center For Rural, Economic & Social Development (CREESOD), 51, Ogene Road,off Justice Oputa Road, Oguta, Oguta LGA, Imo State.
9. People Against Drug Dependence & Ignorance, Imo State
10. Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), Imo State
11. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)