The Women Initiative for Advocacy, Social Justice and Empowerment (WIASE) on Tuesday condemned the recent political killings that took place around the country in the last two weeks. In a press statement, signed by the chairperson, Princess Adekemi Adewunmi, the group decried the wanton killings and loss of lives that characterized the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. It described the killing of Honourable Salome Acheju Abuh, the Woman Leader of Wada/Aro Campaign Council, Ochadamu Ward in Ofu Local Government Area, in Kogi state, as particularly horrifying and traumatic. Abuh was burnt alive by rampaging thugs, allegedly working for another party on Monday, 18 November, 2019.
WIASE, a non-governmental organisation, which is fully dedicated to promoting the participation of all cadres of women in nation building, condemned the inhumane and barbaric act. The group warned that it should not be condoned in any society or democratic process. It stressed that the recent act of violence meted out to both women and men in Kogi and Bayelsa states, during and after the just concluded governorship elections, have been extremely disturbing. The group reiterated its aim of raising voice against injustice of any kind, especially where it affects women, irrespective of political, social, or religious affiliations.
According to WIASE, “There is an urgent need for more action to be taken to curb this extreme disregard for human rights, life and property. Hence, we call on the Nigerian Police and all relevant security agencies to take the necessary steps and action to combat these unfortunate incidents and thereby curtail anarchy.
We commiserate with the family of the late Mrs Acheju Abuh and stand with them to demand a thorough investigation and justice. We also sympathize with everyone who suffered any loss as a result of the violence. We call on the federal government and the National Assembly to ensure that the perpetrators and sponsors of these heinous acts do not escape justice, so as to deter any future recurrence. Every Nigerian life is precious and it is imperative that the government affirms this to the rest of the world by taking prompt action in dealing with such cases.
We equally condemn the use of thugs and fake policemen to cause deadly attacks and perpetrate violence during elections in Nigeria. The desperation of politicians to win elections at all cost, diminishes the gains of our democracy. This calls to question, the integrity of our elections and our electoral body. Therefore, it is important for INEC to restore confidence in the Nigerian people by proposing electoral reforms that will eradicate violence from our elections. INEC must live up to its name and be truly independent.
Without meaningful and urgent action, our 20-year sojourn in democracy would be termed an exercise in futility,” the group said.