Rights group wants immediate redeployment of Rivers police commissioner

The group also commended the formation of the All Progressives Party.

The Human Rights Agenda Network, HRAN, has demanded the immediate redeployment of Joseph Mbu, the Rivers State Police Commissioner, for his “deep involvement” in the political crisis in the state.

In a statement on Monday, the group, a network of non-governmental organizations working on human rights in Nigeria, urged the federal government to restrain the police and other security agencies from taking sides in the political situation in the state.

“HRAN calls on the federal government to take urgent steps to stop what would become a major political setback to democracy in this country,” the group said in the statement.

“In particular, HRAN and other civil society organizations condemn the attitude of the police command in Rivers State, whose actions support a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Following the ruling of the court aborting the legislative role of the National Assembly over Rivers state, the police prevented the majority faction from gaining access to the House of Assembly premises, but are ready to allow the minority faction to do so,” the statement continued.

“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mbu, has continued to demonstrate his political interest in the crisis in the state, a conduct that contradicts his role as head of the police force in the state,” the statement added.

While condemning the political crisis in the state, the group also urged the federal government to stop some individuals in the state from taking laws into their hands and causing mayhem in the already volatile political situation in the country.

“HRAN is aware that the decision of the court in this matter has been appealed against and therefore all the parties must maintain the status quo ante until the matter is finally determined by the appeal courts.

“The Judiciary should not allow itself to be unnecessarily dragged into political disputes, and must not act in a manner that undermines its integrity and independence,” the group added.

On the recent political developments within the political parties, HRAN said it welcomed the emergence of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

“A strong opposition party will give Nigerians stronger assurance of good governance and broader political and electoral options.”

The group further condemned the alleged ploy by the federal government to initiate the impeachment of the five state governors who recently decamped to the APC.

“Such overbearing political strategy would only result in increased political crises and undermine the 2015 general elections,” HRAN stated.