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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) on Tuesday protested in Abuja, calling on the Federal Government to cease funding individuals illegally occupying local government positions in Osun State under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The protest march began at the Unity Fountain and proceeded to the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance, where letters were presented demanding strict adherence to court judgments and the rule of law.
Addressing journalists during the march, National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused APC officials of ignoring valid court judgments by unlawfully continuing to control local government council secretariats in Osun State.
The protest, titled “Presentation of Letters Demanding Local Government Autonomy and Adherence to the Rule of Law,” aimed to reinforce democratic values and oppose what HURIWA described as “institutional lawlessness and political impunity.”
He described the continued occupation of the offices by APC members as “a blatant violation of the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic will of the people.”
Onwubiko stated: “Today we gather here to peacefully protest the financial implications of the APC’s actions in Osun State. Despite the court judgments, the APC officials continue to occupy the Local Government Council Secretariats, posing as chairmen and councillors without any valid judicial or electoral mandate.
“We urge the Minister of Finance to acknowledge the financial implications of these actions and ensure that funds are not allocated to illegal occupiers of Local Government Council Secretariats across Osun State.
“Instead, we request that the Minister disburses funds to the PDP Chairmen and Councillors who were duly elected on 22 February 2025, in line with the valid OSSIEC notice of 19 February 2024, and in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022.
“This step will help uphold the Constitution, the rule of law, and democratic governance. It will also prevent further erosion of public confidence in the legal and democratic processes. It is crucial that funds are allocated in a manner that respects the rule of law and democratic principles.
“The APC’s actions are a blatant disregard for court judgments and the democratic process. They are attempting to cling to power despite being dismissed by the courts. This risks chaos and instability, and we call on the Minister of Finance to act swiftly to prevent further crisis.”
HURIWA urged the Minister of Finance to work closely with the Minister of Justice in enforcing the financial consequences of court rulings and restoring legitimacy to local governance in Osun State
(Guardian)