By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Anambra Police Command has called on communities to promote peaceful coexistence and shun the ‘Osu’ caste-based discrimination.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka on Wednesday.

Ikenga stated that the practice of the Osu caste system violates fundamental rights of citizens.

“The Police Command in Anambra has reiterated that any form of discrimination, humiliation, or denial of rights based on caste practices is barbaric, unlawful, and a gross violation of the fundamental human rights guaranteed under Nigerian law.

“Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provides that no citizen shall be subjected to any form of discrimination on the basis of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion, or circumstance of birth.

“Likewise, Section 34(1) affirms the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits all forms of inhuman or degrading treatment.

“The command urges residents of Anambra to promote peace, equality, and mutual respect for human rights, and to report any incident of caste-based discrimination to the nearest police station for appropriate action.

“In addition, the Discrimination Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2018 criminalizes all forms of discrimination and prescribes penalties for offenders.

“The command warns that attempts to deny couples the right to marry or live freely together on the basis of caste practices is unacceptable and unlawful.

“Once two consenting adults agree to marry, no cultural barrier or discriminatory practice has any legal standing to override their constitutional rights to freedom of association (Section 40), family life, and dignity,” Ikenga stated.

He added that the country is governed by the rule of law “and not oppressive or degrading traditional practices, and anyone found culpable of enforcing caste-based discrimination will face the full weight of the law.

“The dignity, freedom, and security of every individual in the state remain a top priority to the command,” Ikenga added. (NAN)