Eleven Civil Society Organizations decry Human Rights abuses in Imo State

Stanley Ihedigbo

Eleven Civil Society Organizations have issued a joint statement strongly condemned the repressive regime of Governor Hope Uzodinma in Imo State.

The organizations expressed their profound concern over the recent cases of Chinonso Uba (Nonso Nkwa) and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, who have become the latest victims of the governor’s oppressive tactics.

The organizations alleged that Governor Uzodinma has been using the Anti-Kidnapping Unit at Tiger Base and the State Investigation Department (SID) of the Imo State Police Command Owerri to silence dissenting voices in the state.

They claimed that these police units have gained a reputation for rogue and predatory actions, including profiling and arbitrarily arresting young individuals falsely labeled as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members.

The civil society organizations urged the Inspector-General of Police and the police service commission to take action against the misconduct of these rogue units and ensure accountability within the police force.

They also commended the professionalism and integrity demonstrated by Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma in his role as the CP of Imo State.

The organizations called on Governor Uzodinma to release Chinonso Uba and Dr. Fabian Ihekweme immediately and end his oppressive practices. They also urged the governor to address the issues of transparency and accountability in governance in Imo State rather than hounding those advocating for democratic governance.

The joint statement was signed by 11 civil society organizations, including the Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia State; Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Sisters With A GOAL INITIATIVE (SWAG), Imo State; Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Abia State; ÓNÚRÚBÉ Coalition Against Gender-Based in the Southeast and Concerned citizens for good governance, Owerri, Imo State.

Also, Initiative For Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria. (IPSSEDNETWORK), Enugu State; Better Community Life Initiative, Owerri, Imo State; Center For Rural, Economic & Social Development (CREESOD); People Against Drug Dependence & Ignorance, Imo State; and Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), Imo State.