A civil rights group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has condemned the acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu “for abusing the constitution by illegally imposing restrictions of movement during elections as if he has the powers of law making which is the only way to exercise constitutional power of derogation from fundamental rights at emergencies.”

In a statement on Friday by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the pro-democracy organisation noted that in civilised climes, people are allowed to go about their lawful duties and enjoy their right to liberty and freedom of movement as long as they do not impede the conduct of the elections.

HURIWA said the age long military-style restriction of movement during elections was responsible for the outlook of elections as war situations. It stated that “even under section 45 (1) of the Constitution which allows for derogation of enjoyment of some rights under chapter 4, there are clear legal steps to be adopted even as the Police Inspector General is not permitted to suo moto declare national emergency because he is ceased of the legislative powers of law making which is the only way to actualise section 45(1).”

HURIWA advised Nigerians “to challenge the illegal declaration of restrictions in the courts of competent jurisdiction.”