Editor
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has described the Imo State governor, Mr. Hope Uzodinma, as a dictator, after he shut down banks for observing the Biafra sit-at-home order, out of safety concerns.
The association which highlighted the failures of governor Uzodimma to provide security to lives and property of citizens, blamed him for expecting the banks to risk the lives of their workers in a state devoid of functional security measures.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThey further traced the numerous deadly attacks and killings in the state to the inception of the governor’s resumption of office, stating that since his coming into office, he has been unable to arrest, prosecute and punish the unknown gunmen who have carried out numerous vicious campaigns of violence in Imo State.
In view of the imminent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state, the association predicted a public protest by the citizens, and threatened to drag the governor and the President to the international criminal court in The Hague Netherlands, for crimes against humanity, should they send out soldiers to shoot and kill peaceful protesters.
Quoting chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution, HURIWA noted that the global human rights law grants citizens the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and public protest.
However, the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, explained that the President was visiting to commission some projects, and warned that violence would be unleashed on anyone who dares the resolve of the state government to give the president a befitting reception.
He further urged members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to separate the grievances surrounding the abduction of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the anticipated presidential visit.
