HURIWA Urges FG To Stop Sowore’s Trial Immediately

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to terminate the trial of the publisher of the Saharareporters Omoyele Sowere with immediate effect.
HURIWA said it has been inundated with messages from all over the World by persons expressing the unanimous view that the charges framed against Sowore are a disgrace to the corporate image of Nigeria.
According to the group, the charges have made Nigeria appear like a huge joke to the rest of the civilized World just as most people have said that the persecution of Sowore and others depicts Nigeria like the General Idi Amin of Uganda or even the tyranny of Yoweiri Museveini.
The rights group stated that the frivolous charges slammed on the activist including the infantile charge of insulting the president is a direct affront to the fundamental legal principle in which constitutional democracy is anchored upon.
The rights group said there is a general accord on the sensitivity and centrality of freedom of speech in a constitutional democracy in all schools of thought.
“Freedom of speech is an important part of democracy because it protects minorities’ rights to speak in politics participation. Freedom of speech puts restrictions on tyranny of the majority who are required to sacrifice their own time in order to permit minority opposition to express their views and ideas. Also the Rights group pointed to section 14 (2) (c) of the constitution which clearly provides that the participation by the people in their government SHALL be ensured in accordance with the provisions o this c constitution. The Rights group said the call for CIVIL Action by Omoyele Sowore for which he was picked up was constitutionally guaranteed.”