The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns about what it believes is a politically driven campaign against Hon. Amobi Ogah, the current House of Representatives member for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.
HURIWA is particularly disturbed by recent charges brought against Hon. Ogah by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), which the group alleges are part of a targeted vendetta orchestrated by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, with the alleged support of the Minister of Justice.
HURIWA emphasized that Hon. Ogah, who won the 2023 elections by defeating Hon. Onyejeocha, has been subjected to ongoing legal and political harassment since then. The latest incident involves charges filed on July 31, 2024, accusing Hon. Ogah of false declaration under oath, publishing injurious falsehoods, perjury, and criminal defamation. HURIWA claims these accusations are baseless and fueled by a personal vendetta from Hon. Onyejeocha, with the alleged involvement of the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who previously represented Onyejeocha in election-related legal matters.
The association noted that Hon. Onyejeocha, who served in the House of Representatives for 16 years before her 2023 defeat, has allegedly refused to accept her electoral loss. “After unsuccessful attempts to overturn the election results through the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, Hon. Onyejeocha, now serving as the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, is accused of using her former legal counsel, now the Minister of Justice, to pursue a vendetta against Hon. Ogah.”
HURIWA highlighted that a petition dated December 1, 2023, filed by Hon. Onyejeocha’s solicitor, accused Hon. Ogah of perjury and defamation during the election proceedings. This petition led to a police investigation, which HURIWA claims was biased, and the subsequent recommendation by the AGF’s office to file charges. HURIWA believes the legal opinion was tainted by the personal interests of the Minister of Justice.
The association is particularly concerned that the Minister of Justice, who recently appeared at HURIWA’s annual Human Rights Lecture and pledged to uphold the rule of law and due process, is now allegedly using his office to settle political scores against Hon. Ogah.
The rights group is alarmed by what it sees as the abuse of public office by both ministers, asserting that the charges against Hon. Ogah are politically motivated, rooted in Hon. Onyejeocha’s refusal to accept her defeat, and designed to damage her successor’s reputation.
HURIWA also condemned the Nigeria Police Force’s involvement, calling their actions a “colossal disgrace” and accusing them of engaging in political conspiracy rather than fulfilling their duty to protect the people. The group warned that when law enforcement agencies act contrary to constitutional provisions, they undermine public trust and threaten democracy.
HURIWA called on the Minister of Justice to stop using his position to further the personal vendettas of the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity. The association stressed that such actions jeopardize Hon. Ogah’s status as an elected representative and pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy. HURIWA urged an investigation into the AGF’s office activities related to this case.
READ ALSO: HURIWA Lauds NNPCL’s Transparency, Urges Continued Reforms
Reaffirming its commitment to justice and fairness, HURIWA pledged to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary steps to protect Hon. Amobi Ogah from what it considers a politically motivated attack. With Hon. Ogah’s arraignment scheduled for the 5th of next month, HURIWA called on all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and reject any misuse of public office for personal gain.
