Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said there is nothing to celebrate about the reversal of the curfew on Amasiri community by Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru.
Idam said the lifting of the curfew would not halt the legal action he has already instituted against the state government.
In a statement he signed, Idam said the legal action would continue until the state government pays compensation for the extrajudicial killings carried out by the joint security operation, as well as for the harm, pain, and psychological distress inflicted on innocent members of the Amasiri community.
He also called for the reconstruction of properties destroyed in the course of enforcing the governor’s directive.
The statement reads: “The reported lifting of the vindictive curfew imposed on Amasiri, alongside the reversal of other ancillary sanctions, does not call for celebration. As I stated some hours ago, there is nothing to jubilate about, as the measures were unwarranted and unprovoked ab initio.
“While I acknowledge and welcome the development, particularly as we have commenced service of court processes in Maduabuchi O. Idam v. Chief of Defence Staff and 7 others today, it is important to make it clear that the lifting of the curfew and the reversal of certain ancillary sanctions, which were vindictively imposed, will not in any way halt the legal action already instituted.
“This action will proceed unless and until the reliefs sought are fully acceded to by the governor. These reliefs include, but are not limited to, the payment of compensation for the extrajudicial killings carried out by the joint security operation, the harm, pain, and psychological distress inflicted on innocent members of the Amasiri community, and the reconstruction of properties destroyed in the course of enforcing the governor’s directive.
“Until my reliefs are fully acceded to, I shall pursue this action to its logical and conclusive end.
“The power of the state exists to protect, not to victimize. This injustice must not go unatoned.”
