Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, expressed concerns over alleged plan to deploy a former police commissioner, Mohammed Barde, accused of disrupting the April 15 supplementary polls in Adamawa State, to Imo State for the November gubernatorial election.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, during a press briefing, doubted the credibility and integrity of the commissioner, considering his inglorious role in the Adamawa election.

Onwubiko emphasised that Barde’s past actions, which undermined the electoral process, made him unsuitable for any future election duty.
“Of particular concern is the delicate political climate in Imo State, where a controversial Supreme Court judgment removed Emeka Ihedioha from office and brought in Governor Hope Uzodimma,” the group said.

Consequently, HURIWA condemned any attempts to assign Barde to Imo State, given the state’s electoral challenges and potential risks of further compromising the electoral process.

The group demanded that Barde be referred to the Police Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action to restore public trust in the integrity of the electoral process and the police force.

Also, HURIWA addressed critical questions regarding the handling of Barde’s case, questioning why he was not interdicted and prosecuted for his alleged involvement in electoral malpractice during the April 2023 supplementary poll.

The group further expressed grave concerns about Barde’s recall after a brief suspension, alleging plot to use him in Imo State.
HURIWA warned that the people of Imo State, along with concerned Nigerians nationwide, would resist Barde’s deployment to the state if the alleged sinister plot is allowed to continue.

Onwubiko noted that democracy deserves better than the manipulation and interference of individuals with tainted records and questionable intentions.
The group enjoined the Nigerian Police Force to prioritise fairness, transparency and rule of law in all aspects of the electoral process, while urging governor Uzodimma and all political actors to respect the sanctity of democracy and refrain from manipulating the electoral process for personal gain.
The organisation concluded by calling on civil society organisations, media and members of the public to join in the call for integrity and professionalism in the conduct of elections.