Amnesty International, a global human rights' protection body has urged the Nigerian Government authorities to uphold human rights and protect people from violence, before, during and after the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, Nigeria. 

Al Nigeria Country Director, Osai Ojigho made these concerns known on yesterday. Her statement harped on what she described as disturbing reports of violence targeting people, including voters, political gatherings, security forces, and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities."

“There have been many instances of violence and attack on individuals and political rallies. The police blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the violence. IPOB reportedly declared a one week sit-at-home ahead of the election if their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu is not released from detention."

“Amnesty International has received reports of gunmen violently targeting political rallies and cars with political messages. The authorities must end the escalating violence, and impunity of perpetrators by ensuring these incidents are promptly, thoroughly, independently, and effectively investigated and that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials,” said Osai Ojigho

Recall that On 12 October, gunmen attacked a rally organised by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ihiala Local Government Area, killing at least two and injuring many. A similar attack was reported at the All Progressives Congress (APC) rally on the 26th of September. Gunmen invaded a rally by the APC in Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State, killing one, while injuring many others.

“The Nigerian Government must protect people from violence. It must ensure the full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association before, during and after the upcoming election. The government must put in place measures to protect people including human rights defenders, election observers, and staff of INEC ahead of the November 6th election.”

“Authorities must put in place measures to ensure security forces do not infringe on human rights while enforcing law and order before, during and after the elections. They must make clear that there is zero-tolerance for human rights violations and that anyone suspected of wrongdoing will be brought to justice,” said Osai Ojigho.

“The authorities must also ensure that journalists, international and national civil society groups and agencies that will monitor the elections are able to do so in safety.”

AI also called on the Federal Government to ensure that all candidates and political parties put pen to paper to publicly express commitment to peace and the human rights of everyone during the electuons. 

Finally, AI called on the Nigerian authorities to put measures in place to ensure that State and non-State actors do not infringe on human rights in the course of the polls in Anambra. 

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