Detention Of Adara Leaders: el-Rufai Violated Constitution – CLASFON

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Christian Lawyers Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON), rose from its national quarterly meeting in Aba, Abia State, declaring that Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has seriously violated the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following his continued detention of Adara leaders.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of its meeting which was co-signed by Arome Okwori and Barrister Olatunji Omole, National President and National Secretary of the council respectively.

This is just as CLSFON lamented what it described as the high rate of insecurity in the country and therefore challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to take security more seriously.

The President-in-Council of CLASFON which is a body comprising of the National Executive Officers, Chairmen and Secretaries of all the 46 branches and Heads and Secretaries of the Directorates which met for three days from the May 9 – 11, 2019 noted with dismay, what it described s the flagrant disregard for the Constitution in the arrest and continued detention without charge of the traditional and community leaders of the Adara Chiefdom in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

CLASFON therefore demanded of Governor el-Rufai to in keeping with his oath of allegiance and office, respect the rule of law as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

The three days meeting also deliberated on the upsurge in insecurity in the country, the unconstitutional means of driving Government policy by the Governor of Kogi State; the recently conducted General Elections – outcome and post-election issues; the infringement of the Rights of the people of Adara community of Kaduna State and continued detention of Leah Sharibu.

The communique further states; “CLASFON is saddened at the continuous downward slide of the state of security in our nation as evidenced in the various cases of killing of innocent and hapless citizens and non-citizens whose security and protection is the primary function of government.

“Incidences also abound in the daily kidnap and abduction of citizens and non-citizens in most States of the Federation. We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to take seriously the responsibility of the protection of the lives and properties of all residents of Nigeria as provided by the Constitution and other relevant laws.

“CLASFON observes with dismay the neglect of the welfare of the staff of Kogi State Judiciary by the non-payment of their salaries resulting in the deterioration and near collapse of the justice system in the State.

“CLASFON also observes the unconstitutional means deployed in driving Government Policy by the Kogi State Governor. We view steps taken in this direction as a flagrant usurpation of the powers conferred on constitutional organ and tantamount to dictatorial despotism.

“CLASFON observes with dismay the widespread irregularities and total disregard for the rules of engagement as contained in extant laws by major stakeholders that characterised the General elections conducted recently by the Independent National Election Commission (INEC).

“We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to heed the call for electoral reforms with a view to giving Nigeria an electoral system that will dignify Nigeria in the comity of truly democratic nations.

“CLASFON further calls on members of the recently constituted Election Petition Tribunals at all levels who are perceived to have personal interest by reason of their personal affiliations to recuse themselves in the interest of justice, good conscience and fair play.

“CLASFON observes with grave concern the persistent failure of the government to work assiduously to facilitate the release of Leah Sharibu and other abducted school girls. We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to leave no stone unturned to secure the release of Leah Sharibu and other girls in the custody and captivity of the Book Haram insurgents.”