Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized attempts to infuse religious dimensions into the outcome of the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Tribunal verdict.
It particularly warned Vice President Kashim Shettima to stop getting involved in the judgement that was delivered by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal particularly by trying to weave Islamic sentiments into the Nasarawa State Governorship litigation by allegedly mobilizing Islamic leaders and top judicial officers in Abuja to scuttle the judgment of the tribunal which returned a verdict that the PDP won the election.
The rights group stressed that Nasarawa State, known for its religious diversity, has a history of tolerance and unity among its people, regardless of religious backgrounds, adding that the introduction of religious dimensions into a political matter in such a harmonious society is deeply troubling and could have severe repercussions”.
HURIWA particularly wondered why VP Shettima, who is from Borno state is allegedly being linked to such a sinister plot to divide the good people of Nasarawa State all religious lines in spite of the fact that the State happens to be one of the most religiously diverse subnational entity with Muslims, Christians, traditional African Religion cohabiting as one and the same families.
A statement on Friday by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko therefore urged the Vice President, Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Emir of Lafia and the Sultan of Sokoto who is well regarded for his objectivity, not to dabble into partisan politics in order not to drag their high offices into religious and political bigotry.
The rights group noted that the tribunal nullified the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of the March 18, 2023, governorship election in the state.
HURIWA noted that the twist in the political saga arose from the fact that Ombugadu was the sole Christian among the candidates who vied for the position, stressing however that the election result was a reflection of the collective will of Nasarawa State’s diverse population, which included traditionalists, Christians, and Muslims, who exercised their democratic right to vote without regard to religious affiliations.
While expressing deep concern over allegations that Governor Sule’s camp is promoting a false narrative that portrays the tribunal’s verdict as an attempt by Christians to take control of the governorship seat which has been held by Muslims for the past 21 years in Nasarawa State, HURIWA labeled it as an inaccurate and dangerous attempt to sow religious discord where none exists.
HURIWA also frowned at what it described as disturbing reports suggesting efforts by Governor Sule’s camp to influence the Appeal Court and subsequently the Supreme Court in the event the case progresses to that level.
According to HURIWA; “These purported attempts involved reaching out to influential religious figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and leveraging the influence of the Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage, a former Supreme Court judge”.
Accordingly, HURIWA warned all stakeholders, including religious leaders and traditional rulers, to refrain from interfering in the judicial process and urged them to uphold the rule of law and allow the courts to make determinations based on the evidence presented before them.
It further said; “In a democratic society, the law should always take precedence over sentiments and religious biases. The importance of Nasarawa State receiving a transparent, equitable, and unbiased resolution to this election dispute, devoid of divisive elements, cannot be overemphasized”. HURIWA said it stands unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that justice prevails without bias.
