HURIWA Urges Tinubu To Enforce Court Ruling On Osun LGs

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to immediately enforce the Court of Appeal judgment recognizing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the legitimate winner of the 2022 local government elections in Osun State.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused federal security agencies—particularly the Nigeria Police Force—of aiding and abetting the unlawful occupation of local government secretariats by All Progressives Congress (APC) operatives.

“The rule of law is the foundation of democracy. What we are witnessing in Osun State is a clear case of state-enabled impunity. President Tinubu and the Attorney-General must act now,” Onwubiko said.

The legal tussle stems from the May 2022 local government elections conducted by the then-APC administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The Osun State High Court later ruled the process was illegal, nullifying all results. The APC appealed but lost on June 3, 2024, when the Court of Appeal in Akure dismissed the party’s motion to relist the case.

The appellate court’s decision, according to legal experts, reaffirmed the PDP’s victory and declared the APC-installed chairmen and councillors invalid.

“The Court of Appeal judgment is final and binding. It is not open to political interpretation,” said Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a constitutional lawyer cited by HURIWA during the briefing. “Disregarding such a judgment is not just unlawful; it is an invitation to anarchy.”

Despite this judicial ruling, HURIWA said APC loyalists—reportedly under police protection—continue to occupy the 30 local government offices and development councils in Osun, preventing duly elected PDP officials from assuming office.

“The Attorney-General of the Federation, as the chief legal officer of the land, cannot remain silent. This is no longer about politics—it’s about defending the Constitution,” Onwubiko emphasized.

“It is both morally and legally indefensible that public servants elected through a lawful process, and whose mandate has been judicially affirmed, are treated as outsiders while impostors hold sway.”

HURIWA demanded that Attorney-General Fagbemi advise the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately withdraw all police personnel guarding the illegal occupants.

“If the IGP fails to act, it would suggest the Nigeria Police Force is complicit in the breakdown of law and order,” Onwubiko added.

HURIWA also commended the Osun State Attorney-General, Wole Jimi-Bada, for what it described as “courageous and principled” efforts to defend the rule of law in the state.

“We salute the stance of the Osun State government, especially the Attorney-General, for refusing to allow constitutional order be trampled upon,” HURIWA stated. “However, state governments can only do so much if federal institutions fail to play their part.”

The group challenged President Tinubu to disassociate his administration from the ongoing occupation of the council offices by APC loyalists and demonstrate his commitment to justice and democracy.

“Mr. President must rise to the occasion. This is his opportunity to show that his administration does not condone impunity,” Onwubiko said. “The whole nation is watching.”

HURIWA called on the National Assembly to summon the Inspector-General of Police to explain why a valid court ruling is yet to be enforced. It also urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and civil society groups to speak up in defense of constitutional democracy.

“Nigeria’s democracy cannot thrive if court judgments are treated like mere suggestions,” Onwubiko warned. “This crisis in Osun is not a local issue—it is a national emergency. The rule of law is under threat.”

HURIWA pledged, “We will not back down. Justice delayed is justice denied,” Onwubiko said. “We urge all defenders of democracy to join us in demanding immediate action from the federal authorities.”

HURIWA Urges Tinubu To Enforce Court Ruling On Osun LGs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper