The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has requested President Muhammadu Buhari to direct Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba to investigate the attack on Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.
The rights group also demanded that other incidences of election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence be investigated across the country.
Advertisements
The former Anambra governor was reportedly stoned on his route to the airport during a rally in Katsina State.
According to SERAP, the attack followed 339 reported cases of election-related intimidation, harassment, and violence in 2022.
SERAP urged that IGP Baba and Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, identify and prosecute responsible politicians and other violent criminals.
Advertisements
An open letter published on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, also charged Buhari with cautioning governors to halt suspected suppression of opposition party campaigns within their states.
The body feels that taking a stern stance on the matter will prevent more bloodshed, allow free and fair elections, and encourage Nigerians to use their right to vote freely.
According to Oluwadare, free and fair elections are those in which citizens can vote as they desire without fear of intimidation or violence before, during, or after the election.
Advertisements
If the president fails to act, SERAP has vowed to sue him and compel relevant authorities to comply with its request.
The letter also stated that the government is responsible for taking specific steps “to hold governors accountable for any violations of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and international human rights responsibilities.”
4 comments