- Urges, Supreme Court, UN, AU, ECOWAS, EU, US to intervene in ensuring justice
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
In a press conference held at the Nasarawa State Stadium on the 25th of November, the Coalition of Indigenous People of Nasarawa State expressed grave concerns regarding the erosion of democratic principles and the suppression of indigenous rights within the state.
The coalition highlighted their distress over a recent appeal court judgment that overturned the lower tribunal’s decision on technical grounds, setting a perilous precedent that undermines the fundamental essence of majority rule within the democratic system. They emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the rights of indigenous people, whose votes should be respected and upheld without compromise.
The convener, Hon. Kefas Elisha Tigga, stressed that the gubernatorial elections held on March 18th, 2023, rightfully declared Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner. However, the wrongful declaration of Governor Audu Sule as the winner by INEC and subsequent legal proceedings have brought uncertainties and challenges to the democratic process.
The coalition outlined the irregularities and manipulations allegedly carried out by the APC in various wards, especially in Gayam and Chiroma, influencing votes beyond the accredited numbers. Despite a 180-day tribunal seating, the inability of the APC and governor Audu Sule to substantiate their claims added to the growing frustration among the indigenous people.
They decried the recent silence and mockery faced by protesters, particularly women who voiced their grievances, labeled as hired crowds and even derogatively termed as “prostitutes.” Such disparaging remarks intensified the distress among the populace, questioning the justice system’s integrity and fairness.
The coalition called upon international bodies such as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union, and the United States to intervene in ensuring the protection of democratic values and indigenous rights in Nasarawa State.
They appealed to the Supreme Court to rectify the injustice and uphold the true will of the people, urging the judiciary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and global stakeholders to support their quest for justice.
Hon. Kefas Elisha Tigga emphasized that their vote for Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu was not based on personal traits but on the aspiration for liberation from the hegemony of a select few holding the state in captivity.
The Coalition appeal resonates deeply with the struggle for justice, upholding democratic principles, and safeguarding the rights of indigenous individuals.