A Nigerian Diaspora group, the Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals in the United States (U.S.) has called on the Tinubu administration to ensure that agencies under his government respect the fundamental human rights of the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and those of other Nigerians.
In a statement by its President on Monday, Dr. Philips Idris, the group expressed shock and displeasure at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC’s), handling of Emefiele matter and described his continuous detention as illegal, wicked, and fiendish.
This is coming, following the continued detention of Godwin Emefiele, despite several court pronouncements ordering his release, the Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals in the United States is seeking to draw the attention of the international community to the alleged plethora of human rights violations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“As concerned citizens in the diaspora, we have decided to draw the attention of the international community to the new reign of terror back home. Our dear country seems to be heading back to dictatorship.
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“We are by this statement urging the Nigerian government to do the right thing which is to free Emefiele. We are also warning the EFCC not to erode the confidence of the international community in doing business with us as a nation by violating the fundamental rights of perceived opponents of the Asiwaju Administration.
Dr. Idris said there had been serial abuse of the rule of law and disregard for the freedom and rights of many innocent Nigerians since the new administration came on board, citing Emefiele as a case study.
Quoting Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights, Idris said: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
He noted that the International Law of Human Rights obligates governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
He said: “We have watched with concern and indeed, consternation, the relentless persecution of Mr. Emefiele. Emefiele is currently being sequestered and shackled like a common criminal in Nigeria.
“Several court orders had been secured for his release but they were serially and flagrantly disobeyed by the EFCC and DSS. Judging by the ferocity with which Emefiele is being pursued, it seems someone wants him dead.
“His traducers are willing to break any law of the land and dehumanize to punish him for carrying out his statutory duties during his time as governor of CBN
“He has been denied his freedom and basic rights against both the domestic and international human rights laws. Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights states that ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
“As concerned citizens in the diaspora, we have decided to draw the attention of the international community to the new reign of terror back home. Our dear country seems to be heading back to dictatorship.
“We are by this statement urging the Nigerian government to do the right thing which is to free Emefiele. We are also warning the EFCC not to erode the confidence of the international community in doing business with us as a nation by violating the fundamental rights of perceived opponents of the Asiwaju Administration.
“Should this plea fall on deaf ears, we will be staging a peaceful protest in the USA and another by our sister organisation in London on Monday (next week).”
Recall that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Abuja last Tuesday commenced the trial of Emefiele, with three witnesses exonerating him of wrongdoings in the award of N1.2billion vehicle supply contracts by CBN under him.
