Don’t weaponise security agencies against opposition leaders, CSO tells FG

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA– The Center for Reform & Public Advocacy on Monday condemned what it described as selective prosecution and intimidation of opposition politicians in the country, warning that security agencies should not be turned into tools of partisan repression.

The Civil Society Organization (CSO) further urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take immediate action to investigate and sanction judges who compromise their oath of office, saying the judiciary must uphold justice and not partisan agendas.

The position of the group was contained in a statement that was jointly signed by the head of its legal unit, Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu, and the Director of Communication, Garba Abubakar.

It cited the cases involving a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Beta Edu, former Governor of Zamfara State, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, and the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, to buttress the allegation of selective action by the anti-graft agency.

“The use of Nigeria’s security agencies to intimidate, harass, and prosecute opposition political leaders is a dangerous reminder that we are at a critical moment in our nation’s democratic history.

“The very institutions meant to protect Nigerians are now being weaponized against opposition political leaders while members of the Ruling Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been indicted in so many financial corrupt practices are allowed to walk freely without any consequences whatsoever.

“The selective application of justice in Nigeria is a cancer that threatens the very fabric of our democracy and eats away the foundations of our nationhood.

“When security agencies are weaponized against opposition leaders, it sends a chilling message that dissent will be punished and that those in power are above the law.

“When security agencies are weaponized against opposition leaders, it sends a chilling message that dissent will be punished and that those in power are above the law.

“We are not by this press statement, encouraging indulgence in financial corrupt practices by government officials but to ensure systemic neutrality and equal treatment under the law to all Nigerians irrespective of political leanings.

“We condemn in the strongest terms, the actions of security agencies that have been reduced to mere tools for political persecution.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Police Force, and other agencies must not be used to settle scores or silence critics.

“We are using this forum to remind our judicial officers that when they are used as instruments of political persecution, the independence of the judiciary is compromised, and justice is brought into disrepute.

“It is not in dispute that the Nigerian judiciary has a proud history of upholding justice and protecting the rights of citizens.

“However, the actions of a few judicial officers who have allowed themselves to be used to harass and intimidate opposition leaders are a stark reminder that our institutions are fragile and require constant vigilance.

“It is on this note that we call on all Nigerians and international community to condemn, in the strongest terms, the actions of those who seek to manipulate the judicial system for political gain.

“We also call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take immediate action to:

Investigate and sanction judges who compromise their oath of office; ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, protect judges who resist political pressure and uphold justice.

“We, therefore, demand from the judiciary to uphold justice and not partisan agendas. On our security agencies, act as impartial guardians of the people and not the ruling party.

“Let all Nigerians unite to sound the alarm on the erosion of democratic principles and the rule of law in Nigeria, defend our democracy and ensure that justice is served, not just for the powerful, but for all Nigerians,” the statement further read.

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