The
Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) a Pro democracy movement seeking to
revolutionize the Nigerian political landscape by giving political power to new
breed ideologically grounded successor Leaders by 2019 has condemned in
strongest terms the intimidation and harassment of Prince Kassim Afegbua, an
accomplished lawyer and spokesman of Former President General Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida, by the Nigerian Police over a statement he issued on behalf of the
former Nigerian military leader.
The
Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Monday night declared Prince
Afegbua wanted over the statement he issued on Sunday and subsequently ordered
the arrest of Afegbua for allegedly “making false statements" defamation
of character, and for an act capable of instigating public disturbance”.
We
at NIM having closely assessed and analysed the said statement and issues
around the said publication, are of the considered opinion that the IGP's order
flies in the face of due process, decency, and the rule of law. It's trite that
everyone has the right to expression enshrined in the constitution of the
federal Republic. And to exercise such right with a mandate from his Principal,
cannot qualify as ‘making false statements, let alone amounting to "defamation
of character and not the least ‘an act capable of instigating public
disturbance.’ while addressing issues of national importance
In
fact the right to freedom of expression is at the very foundation of democracy
and human rights.
We
therefore posit that declaring Prince Afegbua, a renowned lawyer and
accomplished journalist wanted is preposterous, unwarranted and smacks of
official recklessness. More so when there is no overarching evidence of
incitement or any act capable of causing violence attributed to him.
The
IGPs order declaring him wanted simply for exercising his right to freedom of
expression sign post an oppressive and authoritarian government.
We
therefore implore the Nigeria police to immediately withdraw its unlawful and
intimidatory declaration and desist from further overheating the polity, with
this kind of obnoxious and thoughtless order and undue harassment
We
also take this opportunity to implore President Mohammadu Buhari to swiftly
call the IGP to order and publicly instruct the Police authorities to give
Prince Afegbua adequate protection henceforth as NIM will hold the Federal
Government responsible for any untoward occurence to Afegbua
The
Nigeria Police must be reminded of their statutory mandate to serve and protect
Nigerian citizens and not to intimidate and harass them.
It
is even not within the Police concern to meddle with this matter since there is
no evidence from former President Babangida calling on the Police authorities
to help him in this instance.
Maybe
they would also like to summon the Former President for questioning.
The
IGP and the Nigeria Police need not be reminded that the country is already
standing on a precipice, no thanks to serial violence and biting social and
economic hardships. A further push would certainly be disastrous.
A
word is enough for the wise, they say.
Signed
Barr Fatima Bako
Head of Publicity
Nigeria Intervention Movement NIM
www.nim.com.ng
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