The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) strongly condemns the recent attack on the home of frontline anti-corruption activist Olarenwaju Suraj by armed assailants. Five armed men allegedly broke into Suraj’s home on Tuesday and subjected him and his wife to verbal threats and severe beatings. The attackers then took valuables such as phones, laptops, and a car. It’s odd that, out of the estate’s over 200 houses, only Suraj’s house was targeted for the heinous attack by the hoodlums.
The attack is coming on the heels of the malicious prosecution and harassment of Mr. Suraj’s for opening the can of worms over the Malabu deal, which named former Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, as a beneficiary. In fact, the attack highlights the level of threat that anti-corruption activists face, as well as the lengths to which desperate elements will go to silence those who muster the courage to demand accountability, particularly in the use of public resources. CHRICED urges law enforcement to investigate the criminal invasion of this law-abiding citizen’s home as soon as possible and to bring the perpetrators to justice. It is obvious that if such criminal acts go unchallenged and uninvestigated, the perpetrators will become even more emboldened and will continue to target innocent citizens.
As always, CHRICED expresses its support for Comrade Suraj and his colleagues at HEDA. There is no doubt that this latest assault is intended to intimidate and silence the activist and all those working with him. As a result, CHRICED therefore calls on Suraj not to be discouraged by this incident, but to keep up the good fight to vanquish corruption and its destructive effects on the lives of all Nigerians.
Importantly, the attack on the activist highlights the current government’s lax attitude toward protecting whistleblowers and other citizens who support the anti-corruption campaign. It is unfortunate that those who make patriotic efforts to combat corruption are either mocked or persecuted, as has been the case with Comrade Suraj. Such a stance by the government gives the go-ahead for corrupt and desperate elements to target those involved in exposing corruption. This attitude runs contrary to the constitutionally-sanctioned mandate given to the State, that it must abolish all forms of corrupt practices. Unfortunately, the state is failing in this regard, leaving dedicated activists vulnerable. CHRICED, on the other hand, prays that the Almighty Creator, who is the giver of justice, will continue to guide and protect all patriots who insist on exposing corruption, despite the risks involved.
Signed:
*Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi*,
_Executive Director_… Continue reading