The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised the purported move to arraign House of Representatives member, Hon. Amobi Ogah, over alleged committal of perjury and criminal defamation.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, maintained that the charges being brought against Ogah by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice are politically motivated.

HURIWA stressed that any action that jeopardises Ogah’s status as an elected representative poses a threat to democratic rule in the country.

The rights group traced Ogah’s ordeal to the outcome of the 2023 poll, where he unseated Nkeiruka Onyejiocha for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Constituency of Abia State on the platform of the opposition Labour Party (LP).

HURIWA noted that it is worrisome that Ogah has since then been subjected to a series of legal and political harassments allegedly orchestrated by Onyejiocha, now the serving Minister of State for Labour in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

The rights group called on the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to live up to his promises by upholding the rule of law and due process, and not allow the use of his office to settle political scores against Ogah.

HURIWA also condemned the Police’s involvement in the alleged harassment of Ogah, calling their actions a “colossal disgrace” and accusing them of engaging in political conspiracy rather than fulfilling their duty to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The group warned that when law enforcement agencies act contrary to constitutional provisions, they undermine public trust and threaten democracy.

HURIWA pledged to continue monitoring the situation and take necessary steps to protect Ogah from what it considers a politically motivated attack on his person and seat, with this arraignment scheduled for the 5th of next month.

HURIWA called on stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and reject any misuse of public office for personal gain.

Meanwhile, a group known as Concerned Citizens of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi frowned upon the use of the Attorney General’s office to harass and settle scores against perceived political opponents.

“The use of the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other public offices to settle scores against perceived opponents and as an instrument of self-serving vendetta portends grave danger to members of the general public and indeed our democracy,” they stressed.