In the light of the recent revelation that the Department of State Security (DSS) has released the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, after an unexplained three-month detention, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised critical questions about democracy and transparency in Nigeria.

HURIWA, in a statement on Wednesday, strongly demanded full disclosure from both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the circumstances surrounding Bawa’s arrest, detention, and subsequent release.

The statement reads as follows: “The sequence of events surrounding Abdulrasheed Bawa’s detention is bewildering. The DSS arrested him in a manner akin to ‘Gestapo tactics’ on June 14, detaining him for an extended period without filing any charges. The Nigerian public must be informed about the reasons behind this inexcusable and unjustified detention.

“In the name of democracy, transparency, and accountability, we insist that the truth must come to light.

“Furthermore, Abdulrasheed Bawa’s release has occurred under a cloud of suspicion and secrecy. It is important to note that Bawa resigned from his position while still in detention. This fact raises questions about the circumstances leading to his resignation. The people of Nigeria deserve to know whether this resignation was voluntary or coerced, highlighting the potential abuse of power.

“Therefore, the hasty and covert nature of Bawa's arrest, detention, and subsequent release necessitates a comprehensive explanation from the DSS and President Tinubu.

“As a democratic nation, it is essential that government agencies, particularly those responsible for upholding the rule of law, operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.

“HURIWA is deeply concerned about the implications of such actions on the democratic fabric of our nation and the trust of the Nigerian people in their government.

“HURIWA demands that the DSS provide a satisfactory explanation for its actions and shed light on whether they were influenced by political considerations or partisan interests.

“Secrecy and a lack of transparency in such matters are antithetical to democracy and signify a dangerous drift toward authoritarianism,” the statement added.

The group therefore implored the government to uphold the values of democracy, transparency, and accountability in all its actions, as they were the cornerstones upon which Nigeria was founded. They emphasized that Nigerians were watching, and their trust in the democratic process must be upheld through open and honest disclosure in all matters related to the governance of the country.

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