The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has slammed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for his involvement in the upcoming local government elections in Rivers State.
HURIWA expressed concern over the police’s interference, backing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to thwart what it called an illegal attempt by the Nigerian Police, under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
In a statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the organization accused IGP Egbetokun of becoming entangled in the political power struggle between Governor Fubara and former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.
“We urge IGP Egbetokun to decide whether he wants to remove his uniform and openly join the All Progressives Congress (APC) rather than remain in a position funded by taxpayers, the majority of whom hold no political affiliations,” the statement read. HURIWA further criticized the police for allegedly acting as “armed thugs” for the APC in the state, urging the force to maintain professionalism.
The rights group condemned the late-night invasion of the RSIEC offices by police officers, labeling the action as illegal and an attack on democracy. They demanded the immediate arrest of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), who they claim orchestrated the attempted takeover of the state’s electoral body.
“This brazen attack on democracy in Rivers State by a partisan Nigeria Police force is akin to an attempted coup and must not be ignored,” the statement continued. HURIWA warned that the police’s entanglement in political affairs undermines the trust Nigerians place in law enforcement institutions and draws dangerous parallels to the era of military dictatorship.
HURIWA concluded by urging the Nigerian Police to adhere strictly to their constitutional role of maintaining law and order and to avoid being used as tools in political battles, particularly in the run-up to the Rivers State local government elections.
