Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Urges Akwa Ibom Governor To Release Detained Female Critic, Warns Against Suppression Of Dissent
Maryam Aminu
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to immediately order the release of a detained female activist and government critic, Princess God’sown Udoito, describing her arrest and prosecution as an abuse of power and a threat to constitutional democracy.
In a statement issued on Monday, by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), HURIWA condemned the decision of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to arrest and arraign Princess Udoito on allegations of defamation, arguing that defamation is a civil and personal matter that should not attract police action.
The rights group faulted what it described as the use of state machinery to intimidate a citizen, stressing that the governor, as an individual who feels aggrieved, ought to have sought redress through the civil courts rather than deploying law enforcement agencies.
“HURIWA affirms that the right to criticise government officials is legal, legitimate and necessary for good governance. Elected office holders are not above the law and are only exercising authority based on the mandate freely given to them by the Nigerian people,” the statement said.
The association further expressed concern over reports that individuals dressed as masquerades are allegedly being arrested and charged in parts of Akwa Ibom State, warning that such actions could amount to violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of worship and peaceful assembly as enshrined in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
HURIWA urged Governor Eno, whom it described as a respected Christian leader, to exercise authority in a manner that upholds freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and due process of law.
“If the Governor believes his reputation has been damaged, the lawful option is to institute a civil suit and allow all parties access to legal representation of their choice. Using the police to arbitrarily detain a critic under inhumane conditions amounts to unlawful self-help and authoritarianism,” the group stated.
The rights organisation also disclosed that rising tension has been reported in the oil-producing Ekid communities of Akwa Ibom State following Princess Udoito’s arrest.
According to HURIWA, the activist, a land and environmental rights advocate, was arrested last Wednesday and charged to court by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, over alleged defamation and breach of public peace.
Meanwhile, the Ekid Women Wing (EWW), comprising women from Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, has threatened widespread protests and a boycott of government and political activities unless Princess Udoito is released.
The women alleged that the activist was arrested for questioning the state government’s decision to sell the Ekid ancestral land, the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, without community consent.
One of the leaders, Mrs. Ekaette Bassey, said the women had resolved to withdraw support for Governor Eno’s second-term ambition and warned that protests would escalate if Princess Udoito is not released within one week.
“We urge the Governor to unconditionally release our daughter. Failure to do so will force us to take drastic but peaceful actions to defend our rights and freedom of speech,” she said.
HURIWA warned that democracy would be gravely endangered if critics of government are silenced through intimidation and police force, reiterating its demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Princess God’sown Udoito from police custody in Uyo.
About the Author
