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Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria has warned against election-releated violence Nigerian authorities must uphold human rights during and after elections.
AI Nigeria, in a statement by its Media Manager, Isa Sanusi, in Abuja, yesterday, said Nigerian authorities must ensure full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association before, during and after the elections.
AI Director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, said: “The election-related violence in states such as Kano, Kwara, Kogi, Rivers, Taraba and Bayelsa is deeply troubling and, if not urgently addressed, will undermine respect for human rights throughout the election period.
“Amnesty International has received reports of supporters of some politicians violently targeting political opponents, real or perceived.
“The authorities must stamp out any potential impunity by ensuring these incidents are investigated and that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice.”
AI Nigeria further said in other pre-election violence, one person was killed and many were injured when an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Sagbama, Bayelsa state turned violent on February 3.
The organisation and added that previously, a 12-hour curfew was imposed in Wukari, Taraba State, last month, following violent clashes between supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the two main political parties.
“Authorities must put in place measures to ensure politicians and their supporters do not infringe on human rights. They must make clear that there is zero-tolerance for human rights violations and that anyone suspected of wrongdoing will be brought to justice,” Ojigho added.
AI Nigeria further said recently, a PDP politician in Kaduna, Mr. Ben Bako, was caught on video asking his supporters to attack anyone who voted for a different political party in a volatile southern part of the state.
It added that another PDP politician, Mr. Audi Yaro Makama, was also caught on video making inciting statements.
“The authorities must fully investigate all allegations of incitement to violence and other human rights abuses before, during and after the elections and ensure that suspected perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Political parties and candidates must publicly condemn any advocacy of hatred or incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
“The authorities must also ensure that international and national civil society groups and agencies that will monitor the elections are able to do so in safety,” AI said.
