Ogoni group condemns police invasion of Nunieh’s residence

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Ogoni group condemns police invasion of Nunieh’s residence

The Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA), the umbrella body of Ogoni resident in Lagos and its environs has condemned police invasion of the private residence of former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joi Nunieh in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It lamented that on July 16, 2020 at 4 a.m., about 50 officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) invaded the Port Harcourt home of Mrs. Joi Nunieh in a cruel and uncivilised manner, which generated concern about their mission.

Head OWA Media Committee, Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, told The Guardian yesterday in Lagos that, “Nunieh is a citizen of this country and an indigene of Ogoniland who had served this country meritoriously in many capacities.”

“It is, therefore, rather sad and disturbing she could be so humiliated for committing no crime, particularly under a democratic government.”

The group noted that the development was even more disturbing, as the action against the former NDDC boss was a sad reminder of the injustices, killings and maltreatment the Ogoni suffered under the military during the dark days of the Ogoni Crisis.

“Furthermore, we are concerned over the attempt to plot Ogoni against one another, as we should learn from our past mistakes and refused to be used as tools to destroy the course of Ogoni,” he said.

The group, however, commended Governor Nyesom Wike, for his timely intervention, which eventually foiled the attempt to unlawfully arrest or harm Nunieh.

“We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Inspector General of Police to institute an investigation into the unfortunate incident, especially when there is no known criminal charges against Nunieh before any court, or any petition indicting before any anti-graft agency.

“The President should ensure that the fundamental rights of every Nigerian, as enshrined in the nation’s constitution are protected at all times irrespective of who is involved,” Mcdominic stressed.