Musa Adamu
In a shocking turn of events, the Nigerian government has declared Mr. Emmanuel Chinedu Udeagha, an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a wanted fugitive. Not only is he wanted, but the government has also issued an order that if found anywhere, he should be killed. This announcement has raised serious concerns about human rights and the rule of law in the country.
The IPOB, an indigenous separatist group based in Nigeria’s southeast region, has been advocating for an independent state of Biafra. Emmanuel Chinedu Udeagha is believed to be a member of this group and has been on the run since 2017, fearing for his life. It is crucial to note that Chinedu’s alleged affiliation with the IPOB does not automatically make him guilty of any crimes.
The government’s decision to declare Emmanuel Chinedu Udeagha wanted and authorize his extrajudicial killing raises fundamental questions about due process and the presumption of innocence. It is essential that all individuals accused of crimes be subjected to a fair and impartial trial, where evidence can be presented, and a proper defense can be mounted.
The international community has long condemned extrajudicial killings and the violation of human rights. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have been consistently calling on the Nigerian government to uphold the rule of law and respect human rights standards. This recent development only serves to further erode the country’s reputation in this regard.
Nigeria, as a democratic country, must uphold the tenets of democracy, which include respecting fundamental rights and providing a fair legal process to all accused individuals. By disregarding this principle and declaring Mr. Emmanuel Chinedu Udeagha wanted with a shoot-on-sight order, the government is giving rise to concerns over its commitment to upholding human rights and international legal standards.
In this critical moment, it is imperative that the government reconsiders its approach to dealing with alleged IPOB members and promotes a peaceful dialogue as a means of resolving the issues at hand. Efforts should be directed towards identifying the root causes of separatist sentiments and addressing them through peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to violence and extrajudicial methods.
The international community, particularly countries with strong diplomatic ties to Nigeria, should be vocal in their condemnation of this gross violation of human rights. It is their responsibility to exert diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to reconsider its stance.
Ultimately, the declaration of Mr. Emmanuel Chinedu Udeagha undermines the principles Nigeria claims to uphold. It is high time that the government prioritizes respecting human rights and the rule of law in order to foster a just and inclusive society for all its citizens.
