Following the continued detention of former Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, despite several court pronouncements ordering his release, the Conference of Nigerian Intellectuals in the United States has drawn the attention of the international community to alleged plethora of human rights violations under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement by its President, Dr. Philips Idris, the group expressed displeasure at the Economics and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC’s, handling of Emefiele matter and described his continuous detention as illegal, wicked, and fiendish.
Dr. Idris said there had been serial abuse of the rule of law and disregard for the freedom and rights of many innocent Nigerians since the new administration came on board, citing Emefiele as a case study.
Quoting Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights, Idris said: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
He noted that the International Law of Human Rights obligates governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
He said: “We have watched with concern and indeed, consternation, the relentless persecution of Mr. Emefiele. Emefiele is currently being sequestered and shackled like a common criminal in Nigeria.
“Several court orders had been secured for his release but they were serially and flagrantly disobeyed by the EFCC and DSS. Judging by the ferocity with which Emefiele is being pursued, it seems someone wants him dead.
“His traducers are willing to break any law of the land and dehumanized to punish him for carrying out his statutory duties during his time as governor of CBN.
He has been denied his freedom and basic rights against both the domestic and international human rights laws. Article 9 of the United Nations Human Rights states that ‘No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.