HURIWA Demands Disqualification of Corrupt Aspirants from Public Office
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a troubling trend of political recycling involving individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct. The group is calling for the disqualification of public office aspirants with unresolved corruption allegations, emphasizing that such practices severely undermine public confidence in governance and the broader anti-corruption campaign in Nigeria.
Political Recycling and Accountability Concerns
HURIWA highlighted the controversial remark attributed to former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly stated that "once you join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), your sins are forgiven." The group described this statement as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the APC. HURIWA questioned whether the APC has become "a haven for suspected thieves of public funds," stressing that such perceptions, whether fair or not, pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria's democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.
Call for Impartial Anti-Corruption Actions
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation. He urged anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in discharging their constitutional responsibilities. Onwubiko warned that selective accountability would further erode public confidence in Nigeria's democratic system, calling for transparency and due process in all investigations.
Specific Cases and Ethical Questions
The association specifically raised concerns over the political trajectory of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, noting that his emergence in ongoing political realignments comes amid lingering allegations being investigated by the EFCC. According to HURIWA, the use of an entire state political structure as a bargaining tool in political negotiations further raises questions about the ethical foundations of such realignments and the sincerity of Nigeria's commitment to accountability in public life.
Principles for Public Office Fitness
HURIWA maintained that the central objective of its position is to establish the principle that individuals facing unresolved allegations of serious financial impropriety should not be considered fit to contest any elective office until they have fully cleared their names of such accusations. This includes allegations related to mismanagement or diversion of public funds. The group stressed that allowing individuals under such a cloud of suspicion to freely recycle into elective positions without resolution of their cases risks weakening public trust and sending the wrong signal about consequences for alleged abuse of office.
Clarification on Guilt and Due Process
However, the organization clarified that its position does not amount to a declaration of guilt against any individual. Instead, it is a principled call for due process, transparency, and institutional integrity. HURIWA emphasized the need for a robust framework that ensures only those with clean records can aspire to public office, thereby strengthening Nigeria's democratic and anti-corruption frameworks.
