17th
November, 2013
PRESS RELEASE:
ANAMBRA ELECTION: WE CONDEMN HARASSMENT OF
OPPOSITION
The
gubernatorial election was held in Anambra yesterday with reports of
irregularities, violence and intervention by security operatives. Election was
cancelled in 65 wards. Men of the State Security Services (SSS) also allegedly
put Mallam Nasir El-Rufai under house arrest while about 120 APC supporters who
were on their way to Anambra were detained in Owerri, Imo State.
These are very disturbing developments. Nigeria should be able to do
better after several years of democratic experience. The cancellation of election in 65 wards which the
opposition describes as its stronghold gives cause for serious concern. In the
same vein, the curtailment of the movement of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a key
opposition figure, to a hotel room is an unacceptable breach of his fundamental
right of movement, election or no election.
The
detention of several opposition members whom the opposition claims were
election observers is symptomatic of arbitrary use of security agents. The
intention of the authors of this action can only be antithetical to democratic
principles.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) calls for the immediate lifting of
the house arrest imposed on El-Rufai and the unconditional release of the APC
election observers. A situation
where party agents and observers are coerced is bound to create suspicion and
its attendant fallouts. We assert that a free and fair election is sine
qua non in a true democracy. A level playing ground must be provided
for all the parties contesting in elections.
Professor Ishaq
Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights
Concern (MURIC)
08182119714
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