The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Human Rights, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria has demanded an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the alleged forceful eviction of occupants of Treasure Suites, located at Plot 66, 1st Avenue, off Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja.
The Coalition, who made the demand at a World Press Conference in Abuja, yesterday, declared that the incident had raised serious concerns over the rule of law, due process and protection of property rights.
The Coalition, led by its National Coordinator Timothy Ihemadu,
explained that documents presented and testimonies made available to it contained serious allegations concerning the manner in which occupants were allegedly evicted from the premises.
They however called for an investigation to establish who authorized the operation, the legal authority relied upon, whether a court order existed to the effect and if so, who authorized the order.
The group also demanded clarification over the alleged involvement of security and law-enforcement personnels in the operation urging the Inspector-General of Police, other concerned authorities to establish the identities of the officers involved and the legal authority under which they acted.
The Coalition stressed that law-enforcement agencies should uphold the law and protect citizens rights rather than determine property disputes outside established legal processes.
The civil society organisation further stressed that any loss or destruction incurred during the forceful eviction been personal or business property of affected occupants will be properly documented and investigated.
It said that where loss or damage is established and liability determined, appropriate restitution, compensation or other remedies should follow in accordance with the law.
The Coalition also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that federal institutions saddled with the responsibility on human rights protection wades into the investigation and bring perpetrators to face the full wrath of the law.
“We want President Tinubu’s led-administration to handle this matter professionally, impartially without political interference. Nigeria’s efforts to attract domestic and foreign investment to strengthen democratic institutions depended on respect for property rights, contractual obligations, due process and the integrity of institutions responsible for administering justice.
The Coalition, said it would continue to monitor developments and pursue peaceful and constitutional means of advocacy calling on all parties to submit their claims to the appropriate judicial and administrative processes, urging authorities to investigate the allegations, establish the truth and protect affected persons.