HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Plot To Frame Ugochinyere, APP Chairman
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns regarding what it said is an alleged conspiracy to frame a member of the House of Representatives representing Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere and the National Chairman of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Uche Nnadi of bribing judicial officers.
The group in a statement on Wednesday signed by Emmanuel Onwubiko said the two prominent opposition figures are being targeted over their positions regarding the Rivers State crisis involving Governor Sim Fubara and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Both Fubara and Wike have been struggling for control of state resources and political structure in the state.
Ugochinyere has led some members of the opposition parties including some House of Representatives members to Rivers State in solidarity with Fubara.
He has called for the expulsion of Wike on several occasions.
HURIWA believed his position has made him a target of blackmail with the allegation that he is being framed in a reported bid to bribe judges handling the Rivers State crisis in court.
The group in the statement said, “It is alarming that such a plot could be orchestrated against individuals who are merely exercising their rights to free speech and political expression. This is a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices.”
The association further emphasised that these accusations appear to be a strategic move to undermine the credibility of Ugochinyere and Nnadi.
“We believe this is not just about them; it’s about stifling opposition and creating an environment where truth cannot prevail,” Onwubiko added.
HURIWA called on relevant authorities to investigate these claims thoroughly rather than allowing politically motivated narratives to dictate public perception.
The organisation has urged citizens to remain aware of these tactics designed to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissent.
Any allegations against Ikenga should be dumped in the dustbin where they are meant to be, the group said.
In the wake of the bribery allegation, Maxwell Opara, one of Ikenga’s lawyers, during a press conference, asserted, “This is nothing but a desperate attempt by those threatened by his advocacy for transparency and accountability.
“He will not be intimidated. He has reiterated his commitment to exposing corruption within the political system, particularly regarding issues surrounding land deals in Abuja that have raised eyebrows among citizens”.
Also, the National Publicity Secretary of APP Ugo Apumaga also said, “These baseless accusations are meant to distract us from our mission. We stand firm against any form of corruption and will continue our fight for justice.”
HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Plot To Frame Ugochinyere, APP Chairman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
