Drums of anarchy: NHRC wants arrest, trial of Kuje Council chairman for intimidating statement

Drums of anarchy: NHRC wants arrest, trial of Kuje Council chairman for intimidating statement

By Gabriel Kekong

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Hon. Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, for an alleged intimidating statement ordering residents who do not support the All Progressives Congress (APC) to leave the area council.

The Commission described the statement as an alleged threat capable of undermining democratic rights, warning that such rhetoric from a public office holder could increase tension and fuel political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a video circulating online, Shekwolo was heard saying residents must support the APC or leave the area council.

“I said in my area council that either you are for the APC or you leave the area council. I am not arguing about that at all… you are either with us or against us,” he was quoted as saying.

He further stated, “I can’t let the Minister and the President do what they are doing, so on election day, now you will say you want to match me. I will not agree.”

Reacting to the development, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, (SAN) described the statement as an act of intimidation and a direct attack on the Constitution and democratic principles.

Ojukwu said Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of association and to belong to a political party of their choice.

He also cited Article 41, which guarantees freedom of movement and the right to reside in any part of the country, as well as Article 42, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of political opinions.

According to him, no public official has the constitutional power to ban a citizen from a community because of his political affiliation or opinion.

The Commission further said that the statement could constitute an offense under existing Nigerian laws, including sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Law 2022, which prohibit threats and intimidation intended to influence voters.

He also cited Article 416 of the Criminal Code on incitement to disturb the peace and Article 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 relating to the dissemination of statements capable of causing a breakdown in public order.

The NHRC warned that when a public official creates an “us and them” situation and threatens citizens who hold opposing political views, the government office could be used to intimidate and discriminate against residents.

Ojukwu said the Commission would not wait for such rhetoric to escalate into violence, stressing that the protection of citizens’ rights must remain paramount.

He further noted that as the Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Shekwolo swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve all residents without discrimination.

The NHRC also warned that development projects executed by the federal government or the FCT administration must not be used as tools to demand political loyalty or ignore the constitutional rights of citizens.

Accordingly, the Commission called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Shekwolo by the Nigerian Police Force.

It also called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and put in place safeguards to prevent harassment, profiling or disenfranchisement of Kuje residents ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NHRC equally urged the APC leadership and the FCT administration to publicly disassociate themselves from any suggestion that party affiliation is a condition for residency or access to public services in Kuje.

Reassuring residents of the area council, Ojukwu said their rights remain protected by law, stressing that Nigerians are free to belong to any political party of their choice and cannot be forced to trade their constitutional rights for infrastructure or development projects.

He encouraged anyone facing threats or intimidation to contact the Commission via the toll-free number 6472 or visit the nearest NHRC office in the FCT.