The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against assigning allegedly corrupt officials to oversee the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, expressed concerns about a potential scheme by certain individuals within the Imo State government to deploy a purportedly corrupt Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) to monitor the elections on November 11.
Onwubiko further alleged that Mohammed Barde, a senior police officer who previously served as the Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, where the REC Hudu Yunusa Ari declared Aishatu Dahiru as the winner of the governorship election through fraudulent means, is being considered for deployment to Imo State.
According to Onwubiko, Commissioner Barde’s past actions raise doubts about his commitment to fairness, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law. This concern is particularly significant given the delicate political climate in Imo State, which was further intensified by the controversial Supreme Court judgment that ousted Emeka Ihedioha and brought in Governor Hope Uzodimma.
HURIWA emphasized the vital importance of appointing individuals with unwavering integrity and a strong dedication to the democratic process to oversee the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State. Safeguarding the integrity of the electoral system is crucial for upholding democracy in Nigeria.
As citizens and members of civil society, HURIWA believes it is our responsibility to hold public institutions accountable and ensure that those entrusted with upholding the law and safeguarding our democratic rights do so with the utmost professionalism and integrity.