The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns regarding the charges filed against Hon. Amobi Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives from the Labour Party. The rights group alleges that the legal action is a politically motivated attack orchestrated by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, with the support of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Charges Filed: Hon. Amobi Ogah is facing charges of false declaration under oath, publishing injurious falsehoods, perjury, and criminal defamation. These charges were filed on July 31, 2024, and are currently being addressed in the FCT High Court under Charge No: CR/650/2024.
Allegations of Vendetta: HURIWA asserts that the charges are part of a personal vendetta by Onyejeocha, who allegedly holds a grudge against Ogah following her electoral loss to him in the 2023 general elections. The group claims that Onyejeocha is using her influence and former legal counsel, now the Minister of Justice, to target Ogah.
Political Harassment: HURIWA believes that the ongoing legal and political harassment of Ogah is unjust and politically motivated.
Call for Investigation: The association has called for an investigation into the activities of the AGF’s office concerning this case and urged the Minister of Justice to cease using his position for personal vendettas.
Democratic Implications: HURIWA warns that the misuse of public offices for settlingpersonal scores poses a grave threat to democracy and public trust in the justice system.
HURIWA’s Commitment: The organization has pledged to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions to protect Hon. Amobi Ogah from what it considers a politically motivated attack.
“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.”
HURIWA’s stance highlights significant concerns about the integrity of the legal process and the potential abuse of power by public officials. The rights group’s call for investigation underscores the need for transparency and fairness in handling politically sensitive cases.
