The international human rights organisation, Human Rights Watch, has called on the Federal Government to investigate the roles of top political figures in Nigeria in fomenting political violence in their territories.
The body specifically mentioned the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Lamidi Adedibu; former governors, Dr. Peter Odili and Dr. Andy Uba; and Uba�s younger brother, Chris, as those that should be investigated.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Executive Director, HRW, Mr. Kenneth Roth, described political violence, corruption and torture by security agencies as the greatest human rights violation problems facing Nigeria today.
He said, �If President (Umar) Yar�Adua is serious about reform and his stated commitment to the rule of law, he will begin by launching vigorous investigations and prosecution of officials behind these criminal acts.
�At a minimum, evidence exists for law enforcement agencies to launch criminal investigations of Andy Uba, Peter Odili, Chief Lamidid Adedibu and Chris Uba for their roles in fomenting political violence in their states.�
Roth spoke at the end of HRW Board of Director�s one-week visit to Nigeria, where he said the board members consulted widely with journalists, diplomats, civil society organisations, academics, government officials and religious organisations in Kano and Abuja.
Describing actions so far taken by the President in addressing the enormous challenges facing the country as �building blocks for reform,� he said that the commitment of the government to fighting corruption would not be judged by pronouncements alone.
Roth did not spare the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Andoakaa, for allegedly shielding the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, from investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He said, �A major incentive behind electoral fraud is official corruption. Political figures resort to fraud and political violence to reap what is commonly viewed as the spoils of power.
�In the process, Nigeria�s massive oil wealth is squandered, and poverty reigns in a country that should be leading the way in Africa in meeting the basic and economic needs of its people.
�As Human Right Watch has shown in its recent study of Rivers State, Chop Fine, essential social services such as primary education and basic health care are in a shambles because government revenue is diverted to private pockets. Extending the rule of law to end the plague of corruption is a critical challenge facing the government.
�That requires firm official report for the important work of the EFCC, not the obstruction that the EFCC so often encounters – most recently by the Attorney-General.�
The HRW also beamed its searchlight on activities of the police. It accused the police of torture and use of excessive force.
Meanwhile, the Media Adviser to Uba, Mr. Chuks Akunna, has described the call by the HRW as not only laughable but smacked of ignorance.
In a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, Akunna said it was not true that Uba used cultists during the last general election.
He said, �I read the so-called report on the net in which they claimed that Andy Uba sponsored thug groups. I wonder if this is the basis for the call because such cult groups could only have existed in the imagination of this group.�
Akunna challenged the HRW to produce evidence that cultists were used during the elections in Anambra State.
Oct192007