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The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has condemned the alleged harassment, illegal summons, arrests and detention of members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Ejigbo Unit, by the Nigeria Police Force.
The group claimed that the police actions were being influenced by certain officials of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), despite a pending court case.
The PTD, Ejigbo Unit, has been advocating for democratic elections within their union, which HURMA said had been undermined by some former South West Zonal leaders of PTD and NUPENG officials.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Buna Olaitan Isiak, Executive Director, HURMA, alleged that police officers had repeatedly harassed, intimidated and unlawfully detained PTD Ejigbo members, including their leader, Alhaji Ganiyu Oyebola, on fabricated allegations.
The group claimed that these actions violate the individuals’ constitutional rights to dignity, liberty and equality before the law.
HURMA called on the Inspector General of Police to “Stop the harassment and detention of PTD Ejigbo Unit members.
“Withdraw police involvement in the internal affairs of PTD. Investigate and discipline erring police officers and NUPENG officials. Protect the lives, dignity and liberty of PTD Ejigbo Unit members.”
HURMA also used the medium to commend the Inspector General of Police for his commitment to professionalism and human rights, expressing confidence that the abuses would stop with his prompt intervention .
“We are confident that with his prompt intervention, these abuses will stop, justice will prevail and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force as a guardian of democracy, justice and human rights will be strengthened.
“We also call on the media, civil society and all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with these workers, who are simply demanding democracy within their union and respect for the rule of law,” the group noted.
