The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the apparent double standards exhibited by the Nigeria Police Force in handling the leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the national and state levels. The association accused the police of acting as a partisan tool to destabilize the opposition, particularly by supporting actions that undermine court rulings and the rule of law.

HURIWA pointed out two glaring instances of police complicity that highlight the erosion of professionalism within the force. First, the Illegal occupation of the PDP National Secretariat by former National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, who was validly removed by the Court of Appeal. Despite this judicial pronouncement, Anyanwu has defiantly occupied the office, allegedly backed by influential figures, while the police have failed to enforce the court's decision. Second, in Rivers State, the police actively barricaded the PDP state secretariat following a High Court judgment that dissolved the faction of the party leadership purportedly handpicked by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This has prevented Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was declared the rightful party leader, from reorganizing the party to avoid a vacuum.

HURIWA asserted that these actions reveal a troubling pattern of partisanship within the police, raising serious questions about the force?s allegiance to the constitution. ?The police have demonstrated blatant double standards by failing to uphold the law uniformly. On one hand, they turn a blind eye to Anyanwu?s occupation of the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja despite a valid court judgment removing him. On the other hand, they obstruct the implementation of a Rivers State High Court ruling that dissolved Wike?s faction of the PDP in the state. This selective enforcement of justice undermines the integrity of the police and casts doubt on their neutrality,? the group stated.

The association further emphasized that Anyanwu?s actions, backed by police inaction, amount to a brazen affront to the rule of law. The Court of Appeal?s judgment unequivocally removed him as PDP National Secretary following his resignation to contest the Imo State governorship election. HURIWA highlighted that the PDP constitution clearly stipulates that a member who resigns to contest an election cannot reclaim their previous office. Despite this, Anyanwu has resorted to self-help measures, occupying the secretariat with apparent impunity.

Similarly, HURIWA lambasted the police for obstructing Governor Fubara?s legitimate efforts to restore order within the Rivers PDP. Following the High Court ruling that nullified the ward, local government, and state congresses conducted by Wike?s faction, Governor Fubara?s group sought to take over the secretariat and implement the judgment. However, the police deployed personnel to barricade the secretariat, citing concerns about potential unrest, effectively preventing the enforcement of the court order.

The association argued that the police?s actions in both cases amount to aiding and abetting illegality. It called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to urgently address these issues, warning that continued partisanship within the force could have dire consequences for Nigeria?s democracy. ?The police must act as impartial enforcers of the law, not as tools for political manipulation. Allowing impunity to thrive undermines public trust in law enforcement and sets a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria,? HURIWA cautioned.

HURIWA also raised concerns about the broader implications of police partisanship, warning that it could destabilize the political system and erode the rule of law. The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the police operate within the confines of the constitution and resist being used as instruments of political oppression. It further urged the judiciary to assert its authority by holding individuals and institutions accountable for flouting court orders.

The group reiterated its call for the immediate removal of Samuel Anyanwu from the PDP National Secretariat and demanded that the police allow Governor Fubara to implement the High Court judgment in Rivers State without interference. It also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from law enforcement agencies.

HURIWA concluded by warning that the continued erosion of professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force could lead to widespread disillusionment among citizens and further weaken Nigeria?s democratic institutions. ?The time to act is now. The police must uphold the rule of law, enforce court judgments impartially, and demonstrate their commitment to the constitution. Anything less is a disservice to the Nigerian people and a threat to the stability of our democracy,? the association declared.

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