A civil rights group – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has charged that the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu had no powers to abridge the fundamental rights of Nigerians by restricting movement of citizens guaranteed in the constitution of the country.
According to a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko, such restriction amounted to abusing the constitution by illegally imposing restrictions of movement during elections as if he had the powers of law making which was the only way to exercise constitutional power of derogation from fundamental rights at emergencies.
“In civilised climes, people are allowed to go about their lawful duties and enjoy their right to liberty and freedom of movement as long as they do not impede the conduct of the elections.
“The age long military style restriction of movement during elections was responsible for the outlook of elections as war situation. Under section 45 (1) of the constitution which allows for derogation of enjoyment of some rights under chapter 4, there are clear legal steps to be adopted even as the Police Inspector General is not permitted to suo moto declare national emergency because he is ceased of the legislative powers of law making which is the only way to actualise section 45(1).
“It is indisputable that the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution are binding on governments, authorities and persons. Section 1 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides: The Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“To further express the superiority of the Constitution, Section 1(3), if any other law is inconsistent with the provision of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.
“What does section 45 of the 1999 Constitution say: 45 (1) Nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,” he stated.
Onwubiko cited several sections of the constitution to buttress his position that the IG fouled the constitution and lacked power to restrict movement of citizens.
“The restrictions by the Nigerian Police Force, through an Order by the Inspector General of Police contravenes the Section 45 of The 1999 Constitution (as amended); -limits freedoms, as in all cases are where they impinge on the rights of others, or where they put the welfare of the society or public health in jeopardy. The law’s role is to ensure the fullness of liberty when there is no danger to public interest. The courts are the institutions society has agreed to invest with the responsibility of balancing conflicting interests in a way to ensure the fullness of liberty without destroying the existence and stability of society,” he further stated.
According to him, “Article 12 of International Covenant Civil and Political Rights states that expressly cites the contravention of Restrictions to Movement during Elections.
“The right to freedom of movement during elections is essential that all those participating in the electoral process- are able to move without restrictions from the police or any other security agency or apparatus. Without fear or intimidation should have access to electoral events related like venues (e.g. Voter registration, political rallies, polling stations).This applies not only to members of political organisations and their supporters, but also to voter’s and the general population.
“Restrictions are permitted only if provided by law and insofar as these are necessary to protect National security, public order, public health or morals or rights and freedoms of others,” he concluded.
