Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against posting alleged corrupt officials 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 to be posted to Imo State.
“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…
“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.”
