A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations vehemently condemns the recent intrusion by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) into a civil dispute between Cecil Osakwe, CEO of Abeh Signature Limited, and Ms. Asabe Waziri, Founder of Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative.
The coalition, comprising various organizations, namely, Nigerian Justice League Initiative, Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum, Foundation for True Democratic Governance and Freedom, Privacy Rights Advocacy Initiative, in a statement issued by Dr. Danladi Ceceko Dangana, spokesperson for the coalition, the organisations denounced HURIWA’s unsolicited intervention not only offensive but also a clear violation of the established principles governing human rights organisations in Nigeria.
The statement reads as follows:
“HURIWA’s unwarranted involvement in a matter before competent courts of jurisdiction is highly objectionable and is a calculated attempt by HURIWA and its promoters to criminally intimidate and silence Ms. Waziri.
As an organization, purported to be dedicated to safeguarding human rights, instead of shielding Ms. Waziri from intimidation, harassment, and blackmail, it is now being used as an instrument of oppression.
What business does HURIWA have with Ms. Waziri’s or any other Nigerian for that matter, personal information? Their request has criminal undertones and violates Asabe Waziri’s rights as a private citizen.
We strongly condemn HURIWA’s attempt to meddle in a civil contract already before several courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, including the Court of Appeal. We find their actions repulsive, and we are outraged that they have allowed themselves to be used as instruments of oppression by unscrupulous people.
In case HURIWA and those they are working for have forgotten, the matters in question are currently pending at the Court of Appeal, and the court has ordered all parties involved to maintain the status quo ante-bellum. Therefore, we request that HURIWA refrains from involvement in this matter until the court makes its determination.
In conclusion, we urge HURIWA and its National coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko to stay away from this issue and respect the legal process and allow the courts to determine the outcome of the dispute. We have no vested interest in this matter, but we find it abhorrent that a Nigerian citizen is being criminally persecuted, intimidated, and oppressed simply because she has refused to acquit her rights despite several blackmail and intimidation. HURIWA must adhere to the very principles upon which it was established, namely the protection of human rights and the upholding of the rule of law in Nigeria.”
