Ogonis resident in Lagos and its environs under the aegis of Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA), has condemned the recent invasion of the private residence of the former interim managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Joi Nunieh by operatives of the Nigerian police in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Recall that on July 16, 2020, at about 4am, over 50 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force invaded the Port Harcourt home of Joi Nunieh in what has been described as cruel and uncivilized vendetta mission.
The association, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr ThankGod Meekor and the Head of its media committee, Comrade Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, stated that Dr Joi Nunieh was a law-abiding citizen of this country and distinguished daughter of Rivers State and Ogoniland who has served the country meritoriously in many capacities.
“It is, therefore, rather sad and disturbing that such a war could be waged against her for committing no crime, particularly under a democratic government.
“More disturbing about this development is that the action of the Nigeria Police Force against the ex-NDDC boss tends to remind us as a people of the injustices, killings and maltreatments suffered under the military during the dark days of the Ogoni crisis”, the statement read.
“Furthermore, we are concerned by the attempts to use Ogonis against each other. As a people, we must learn from past mistakes, and refuse to be used as tools to destroy the course of Ogoni”, the group added.
“We, however, applaud and commend Governor Nyesom Wike, for his timely intervention, which eventually foiled the unlawful attempt to whisk away, arrest or kidnap the former managing director of the NDDC.
“In view of the foregoing, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari, to direct the inspector general of police to commence a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident, particularly when there are no known criminal charges against her before any court or petition before any anti-graft agencies”, the OWA argued.
The group called on the president to ensure that the fundamental rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended are protected at all times, irrespective of who is involved.
