Abuja, Nigeria, April 1, 2025 – Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has expressed his pessimism about Nigeria's immediate future, citing pervasive corruption and partisanship within the Nigerian Police Force as a major impediment to progress. His statement comes in response to the Kogi State Police Command's call for the cancellation of a planned rally in Okene honoring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Effiong took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday to voice his concerns, emphasizing the "despicable rot, corruption, and partisanship" within the police. The Kogi State Police Command's justification for the rally cancellation was based on an unspecified "intelligence report" and an appeal to maintain peace in the state. This follows a broader ban on rallies and public gatherings implemented by the Kogi State Government, ostensibly due to security reports.
Rally Controversy
The planned rally is intended to celebrate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Sallah return to her constituency. Despite the government's ban and the police's urging, Akpoti-Uduaghan has stated that she will not back down from her scheduled visit, urging her supporters to disregard cancellation rumors.
Effiong directly addressed the rally organizers, urging them to ignore the police's statement and proceed with the event. He emphasized that the police's role in political rallies is limited to providing security, not disrupting them based on vague concerns about potential hijacking or violence.
Legal Perspective
Effiong cited legal precedents affirming that the police cannot arbitrarily disrupt rallies based on apprehension of violence or hijacking by "hoodlums." He encouraged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters to defy both the police and the governor's directive.
Wider Context: Kogi State's Security Measures
The Kogi State Government's ban extends beyond political rallies, also encompassing fishing and other activities, citing the loss of two lives in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette in Kogi Local Government Area. These measures underscore a broader concern about security within the state.
Effiong's statement reflects a growing frustration with the state of governance and law enforcement in Nigeria. By highlighting the alleged corruption and partisanship within the police, he raises critical questions about the ability of the country to address its numerous challenges and move towards a more just and equitable society.
