Hundreds of youths in Asaba, Delta State, under the aegis of “Let’s Save Asaba Movement Initiative (LSAM),” have stormed the Government House, Asaba, protesting alleged midnight raids, forced entry into residential premises, unlawful arrests and violations of citizens’ fundamental rights by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, submitted a petition to the Delta State Governor and Chief Security Officer, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, urging the state government to intervene over what they described as growing concerns about the conduct of EFCC operations in the state.
In the petition, the group stressed that it was not opposed to the EFCC’s mandate to fight financial crimes and corruption, but insisted that such responsibilities must be exercised within the confines of the Constitution and the rule of law.
“We support the fight against financial crimes and corruption. However, the exercise of lawful powers must itself be conducted lawfully, professionally and with full respect for the Constitution, fundamental human rights and the rule of law,” the group stated.
The protesters expressed concern that residents were increasingly becoming fearful of law-enforcement agencies, arguing that no responsible government should ignore such sentiments.
They appealed to Governor Oborevwori, in his capacity as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to protect the rights and dignity of Delta residents and ensure that law-enforcement operations are conducted professionally and in accordance with the law.
“We respectfully call on the Delta State Government to:
1. Investigate allegations of unlawful EFCC raids, midnight operations, forced entry, intimidation and abuse of residents within Delta State.
2. Engage the relevant federal authorities and demand that EFCC operations within the State comply strictly with the Constitution and applicable laws.
3. Ensure that residents’ fundamental rights, dignity, privacy and personal security are respected during law-enforcement operations.
4. Establish or strengthen a channel through which affected citizens can safely submit evidence and complaints concerning alleged misconduct.
5. Ensure that innocent citizens are not subjected to unnecessary harassment, intimidation or humiliation.
6. Take appropriate steps to reassure the people of Delta State that their government will listen to legitimate concerns and protect their lawful rights”, the group stated.
The group called on the Delta State Government to investigate allegations of unlawful EFCC raids, midnight operations, forced entry, intimidation and other alleged abuses of residents.
It also urged the government to engage relevant federal authorities and demand strict compliance with constitutional provisions and applicable laws during EFCC operations in the state.
Other demands included the protection of residents’ fundamental rights, dignity, privacy and personal security, as well as the establishment or strengthening of channels through which victims of alleged misconduct could safely lodge complaints and submit evidence.
The group further appealed to the government to ensure that innocent citizens are not subjected to unnecessary harassment, intimidation or humiliation.
Declaring that “enough is enough,” the protesters said the concerns of ordinary citizens could no longer be ignored.
“Delta State residents and citizens are not pawns. We believe the EFCC has a responsibility to fight financial crimes, but it must do so within the law. The same law that empowers law enforcement also protects the rights of the people they serve,” they stated.
The movement said it remained committed to peaceful and constitutional action, promising to continue advocating for residents through petitions, documentation, public awareness campaigns, legal processes and other lawful avenues.
“We are law-abiding citizens. We want justice, not confrontation,” the group declared.
The petition was signed by Comrade Ajemba Chibueze Stanley, Convener; Nkemakolam Desmond, Co-Convener; Comrade Marvin Mordi, Co-Convener; and Comrade Harrison Gwamnishu, Director, BBI.
Addressing the protesters, a security aide to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Nwokoro Julius, called for calm, and gave an assurance that he will deliver their petitions to the governor for necessary action.
As at the time of filing this report, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is yet to speak on the protest.
