Prominent civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has called on all anti-corruption bodies in Nigeria to subscribe and comply fully with the constitutional principles of the rule of law.
It urged them to push back any external pressure to resort to media-orchestrated persecution of any alleged offender but to follow due process.
HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, made the call at the protest while reading out a letter the group also presented to the executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukayode.
While expressing its unalloyed and total solidarity and support with the anti-corruption crusade of the EFCC, HURIWA maintained it should be law-based and tailored towards strict compliance to the principle of the rule of law and provisions safeguarding human rights of citizens encompassed in the grand norm of the Nigerian state.
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At the event attended by several affiliates and supporters of civil Rights and democracy, Onwubiko: “We are compelled to address the recent developments regarding the protests against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle. The protests, which appear to be sponsored, have reached a disturbing level and are now a cause for serious concern.
“However, it is imperative to state that if the allegation against him was true, he couldn’t have emerged as a member of the federal House of Representatives, governor of his state or a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is crucial to emphasize that allegations alone do not constitute guilt. These claims lack substantial evidence and seem politically motivated.
“We urge that such matters be handled through the proper legal channels, with written petitions submitted to the EFCC as required by law, rather than through public protests that aim to intimidate and exert undue pressure on the Commission.
“Matawalle has consistently operated within the bounds of the law and has expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the EFCC to ensure a transparent and fair inquiry.
“His track record of service to the nation speaks volumes about his integrity and dedication to public office. As such, the EFCC must conduct its investigations without external pressures or distractions.”
HURIWA requested the Executive Chairman of the EFCC to discourage politically motivated protests against government functionaries.
“We advise those with grievances to follow due process by submitting written petitions or seeking redress through competent courts of law.
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