National President, CDHR, Dr Prince Taiga (3rd), other member(4th) while addressing members of NUJ Warri Correspondents chapel on Monday
By Cynthia Eruotor
The Committee for Defense of Human Rights(CDHR) has demanded justice and accountability over land dispute in Asaba between the Okpanam Community and Mr Ekwe-Ogbidi Integrated Resources Ltd- which has been lingering over some years now.
Briefing the newsmen on Monday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Warri Correspondents Chapel, the National President of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights(CDHR), Dr. Kehinde Prince Taiga said the attempt for Mr Ekwe-Ogbidi Integrated Resources Ltd and his associates to allegedly and unlawfully seize the ancestral land of Okpanam Community has caused untold hardship, suffering and destruction of the community, the body therefore called on the inspector General of Police to launch immediate investigation into the matter especially the O/C Legal Force Headquarters, Abuja and other officers for their involvement and brought to book.
According to him, the action of the Police officers in this saga undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and threatens public trust and safety.
The CDHR boss said for the past four years, Okpanam people have endured relentless intimidation, harassment and destruction of property worth millions of Naira adding that, numerous appeals and formal complaints to the police, they have refused to do the needful. According to him, instead of the Police officers from Force Headquarters Abuja to do the needful, they allegedly aid and abet the land grabbers.
His words:” We strongly condemn the abuse of police’ power to support criminal elements in illegally acquiring land, a situation that has caused severe unrest in the Okpanam Community. The role of the police should be to uphold justice and protect the lives and property of citizens- not to collaborate with land grabbers for personal or political gains”.
“CDHR demands… immediate investigation into the conduct of all implicated police officers from Force Headquarters, including O/C Legal, Abuja, and Rotshang Faith Dimka, Esq.of the legal/prosecution Section for abuse of power and unlawful interference”. “Prosecution of all individuals involved, including any officers found culpable to have facilitated or supported the land grabbing activities.”
“Restoration of all destroyed properties and adequate compensation to victims”. “Judicial Action: We urged the judiciary to assert its constitutional authority by ensuring this civil case is heard fairly, promptly and without external interference”.
“Immediate reinstatement of case No: CMA/334c/2024, which was improperly struck out based on an illegally issued Notice of Discontinuance. This injustice must be immediately corrected”.”Expedite investigation by the Inspector- General of Police Monitoring Team to ensure transparency and Justice”.
While commending the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi who has demonstrated true leadership and integrity by refusing to allow external pressure to compromise peace and abuse of the rule of law in the state- which to a large extent makes Delta State Police boss qualify for Nation recognition as he serves as a model for others in the Police Force, CDHR boss called on the court to rise to their responsibility to see that rule of law prevail and prevent the police from usurping judicial powers in civil matters.
Meanwhile, Dr. Taiga assured Okpanam Community that CDHR stands in solidarity with them just as he said, the body would continue to monitor the case and speak out against any further abuse of power, corruption or an obstacle to justice in the country.