Minister, Police tasked on justice system, rule of law

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

HURIWA’s National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, claimed that the charges filed against Ogah by the AGF’s office, was part of a calculated vendetta.

Onwubiko noted that Ogah, who emerged victorious in the 2023 general elections by defeating Onyejeocha, has since been subjected to what he described as a “relentless campaign of harassment and legal persecution.”

He said: “The latest development involves the filing of Charge No.: CR/650/2024 by the AGF’s office on July 31, 2024, accusing Hon. Ogah of false declaration under oath, publication of injurious falsehood, perjury, and criminal defamation.

“HURIWA believes these charges are baseless and stem from a personal vendetta supported by the Minister of Justice.”

He contended that Onyejeocha, who served as a member of the House of Representatives for 16 years before her defeat in 2023, has refused to accept her electoral loss.

“The association is particularly concerned that the Minister of Justice, who recently appeared at HURIWA’s annual Human Rights Lecture and pledged to uphold the rule of law and due process, is now allegedly using his office to settle political scores against Hon. Ogah.

“HURIWA is also alarmed by what it perceives as an abuse of public office by both the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity and the Minister of Justice.

“The association asserted that the charges against Hon. Ogah are a clear example of political persecution.”

Also, he expressed deep disappointment with the role of the Nigeria Police Force in this saga, describing its involvement in the framing of Hon. Ogah as a “colossal disgrace.”

He argued that the police, whose mandate is to serve and protect the people, have instead become instruments of political conspiracy.

“HURIWA condemned the police’s actions, stating that when law enforcement agencies engage in activities that contradict constitutional provisions, it undermines public trust and poses a significant threat to democracy.

“HURIWA concluded by reiterating its commitment to defending the rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that the principles of justice and fairness prevail.

“The association vowed to continue monitoring the situation closely and to take all necessary actions to protect Hon. Amobi Ogah from what it views as a politically motivated witch-hunt.

“As the arraignment of Hon. Ogah is scheduled for the 5th of next month, HURIWA called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and to resist any attempts to use public office for personal vendettas,” he said.