Amnesty International has labelled Samuel Shekwolo, the Kuje area council chairman, a threat to democracy and society following the politician’s “vote APC or leave Kuje” remark.
Amnesty International on Wednesday released a statement calling for security agencies to hold Mr Shekwolo accountable, describing him as a danger to both democracy and society.
“Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the Nigerian government is allowing the chairman of Kuje Area Council, FCT, Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, to get away with an outright threat to use violence on any resident of the area who will not vote for APC.
“Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo is a danger to society. He must be held to account. Neither security agencies nor his political party made any public attempt to show that he is being held to account. Shekwolo is yet to apologise or express any regret for his reckless and irresponsible remarks. His desperate attempt to make voting for APC the sole condition for living peacefully and exercising civic rights in Kuje is unlawful,” said the rights organisation.
Amnesty International posted a photo of Mr Shekwolo with a yellow label inscribed “danger to democracy”.
“The Nigerian authorities must protect people from violence and ensure full respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. It is essential that the authorities ensure that any elected politician or other leaders, of any political party or grouping, responsible for carrying out or inciting or threatening politically or ethnically motivated violence or human rights abuses must be held to account,” Amnesty International said.
The human rights organisation’s statement comes after Mr Shekwolo on Wednesday insisted that his threat that any resident of Kuje who will not vote for the APC will have to leave the area council was meant to promote development.
“It is crucial to clarify the intent of the message, what it was for and for whom. The remark in question was made in a specific context aimed at addressing administrative efficiency, local development and community welfare,” Mr Shekwolo said in a video.
On Tuesday, Mr Shekwolo said, “I’ve said in my area council, it is either you are doing APC or leave the area council. I am not hiding it. I’m saying it with all confidence,” sparking public outrage.
