A prominent activist lawyer has rejected the governor's decision to lift a curfew on Amasiri community in Ebonyi State. Maduabuchi Idam says there's nothing to celebrate about the move.
Governor Francis Nwifuru reversed the curfew after mounting pressure from rights groups and concerned citizens. Idam made clear the reversal won't stop his legal battle against the state.
Court papers were served today in the case titled Maduabuchi O. Idam v.
Chief of Defence Staff and 7 others. Idam told reporters the lawsuit will continue regardless of the curfew lifting.
He's demanding the state pay compensation to victims of extrajudicial killings. The joint security operation left innocent residents of Amasiri traumatized, he noted.
In a statement released Wednesday, Idam outlined his demands clearly. He wants cash payments for the psychological harm inflicted on community members.
Property destruction during the curfew enforcement must also be addressed, according to him. Rebuilding homes and businesses destroyed in the operation is non-negotiable, he insisted.
"The lifting of the vindictive curfew does not call for celebration," Idam said. He emphasized that the original sanctions were "unwarranted and unprovoked" from the start.
Idam acknowledged receiving news of the curfew reversal with some cautious optimism. But he stressed this doesn't mean the end of his pursuit for justice.
"This action will proceed unless and until the reliefs sought are fully acceded to by the governor," he wrote. His demands include full compensation packages for affected residents.
The lawyer argues the state has a duty to protect citizens, not victimize them. "This injustice must not go unatoned," he declared in his statement.
Idam vowed to pursue the case to its "logical and conclusive end." He won't back down until every demand is met, sources close to him confirmed.
Rights activists have backed Idam's position on the matter. Many believe the governor must do more than simply reverse an unjust policy.
