HURIWA Urged To Stop Interference In Civil Disputes  

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has condemned what it called intrusion by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) into a civil dispute between Cecil Osakwe, CEO of Abeh Signature Limited, and Ms. Asabe Waziri, founder of Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative.

The group noted that the matter was before a court of competent jurisdiction, hence there was no need for alleged interference by HURIWA.

The coalition, comprising various organisations, namely; Nigerian Justice League Initiative, Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum, Foundation for True Democratic Governance and Freedom, and Privacy Rights Advocacy Initiative, in a statement issued by Dr. Danladi Ceceko Dangana, spokesperson for the coalition, said HURIWA’s intervention was a clear violation of the established principles governing human rights organisations in the country.

They urged HURIWA to refrain from further involvement in the matter until the court makes its final determination.

The statement read: “HURIWA’s unwarranted involvement in a matter before competent courts of jurisdiction is highly objectionable and is a calculated attempt by HURIWA to intimidate and silence Ms. Waziri.

“As an organization, purported to be dedicated to safeguarding human rights, instead of shielding Ms. Waziri from intimidation, harassment, and blackmail, it is now being used as an instrument of oppression.

“What business does HURIWA have with Ms. Waziri’s or any other Nigerian for that matter, personal information? Their request has negative undertones and violates Asabe Waziri’s rights as a private citizen.

“We strongly condemn HURIWA’s attempt to meddle in a civil contract already before several courts of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria, including the Court of Appeal.”

It, therefore, urged HURIWA to always protect human rights and uphold the rule of law in the country.