By Anayo Akwitti
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported arrest and alleged intimidation of members of the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ movement in Kano and Maiduguri, describing the incidents as threats to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The association accused security agencies of alleged political bias, urging them to stop intimidating Nigerians who advocate for President Bola Tinubu’s removal from office while ensuring equal protection for those campaigning for his re-election.
In a statement on Monday, signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA maintained that citizens have the constitutional right to support or oppose any political party or candidate, provided they operate within the law.
The group expressed particular concern over allegations that police officers prevented members of the movement from accessing a venue booked for a meeting in Kano State.
Abba Hikima, a lawyer and one of the movement’s conveners, reportedly alleged in a video posted on his verified Facebook page on October 11 that more than 10 mobile police vehicles were deployed to stop members from accessing the venue.
Hikima also claimed he had spoken with the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, assuring him that the planned meeting would be peaceful and lawful.
HURIWA urged the Kano State Police Command to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged obstruction and clarify whether the action was based on a specific security assessment or lawful directive.
The association also condemned the reported arrest of members of the movement in Maiduguri, Borno State, an incident the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council had described as an abuse of power and an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
It called on the relevant authorities in Borno State to clarify the circumstances of the arrests, disclose the legal grounds for any continued detention and ensure that the rights and safety of those affected were protected.
According to HURIWA, the slogan ‘Tinubu Must Go’ represents a political position and should not, by itself, be treated as an offence without evidence of specific unlawful conduct.
The association urged security agencies to address legitimate security concerns through lawful and proportionate measures rather than prevent citizens from expressing their political views or participating in peaceful political gatherings.
It warned that selective enforcement of the law could undermine public confidence in security institutions and discourage political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA consequently called on the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies to ensure political neutrality among their personnel, protect peaceful political activities and investigate threats against opposition politicians regardless of party affiliation.
The group also urged political parties and movements to conduct their activities peacefully and in compliance with the law.
It stressed that Nigeria’s democracy could not thrive if security agencies were perceived to protect one political interest while restricting citizens holding opposing views.
HURIWA demanded impartial policing, transparent investigations into the reported incidents in Kano and Maiduguri, and respect for the fundamental rights of all Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections.
RLS
