By Xavier Chinaecherem Mkpachi-Oko, Esq.
Conernned Amasiri son and Legal Practitioner
A legal practitioner from Amasiri, Xavier Chinaecherem Mkpachi-Oko, has addressed an open letter to the Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odoh, raising concerns over alleged human rights violations in Amasiri community.
In the strongly worded letter, Mkpachi-Oko expressed disappointment over what he described as the “suspension of constitutional rights” in Amasiri under the watch of the Attorney General, who serves as the Chief Law Officer of Ebonyi State.
He alleged that residents of Amasiri have been subjected to collective punishment following security operations linked to unrest in the area, including the tragic incident at Okporojo. According to him, fundamental rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution including the rights to life, dignity, liberty, fair hearing, movement, and property have been effectively curtailed.
Citing judicial precedents such as Ransome-Kuti v. A.G. Federation, Fawehinmi v. Abacha, and Director SSS v. Olisa Agbakoba, the lawyer argued that fundamental rights cannot be overridden by executive action or security convenience. He maintained that criminal liability under Nigerian law is personal and must follow due process: investigation, arrest, and prosecution.
The letter further alleged that security deployments in Amasiri led to widespread disruption of economic and social life, including school closures, arrests of traditional rulers, the dissolution of the Amasiri Development Centre, and restrictions on movement. The claims have not been independently verified.
Mkpachi-Oko also raised concerns about alleged threats against residents who publicly criticise the government’s actions, referencing constitutional protections for freedom of expression. He maintained that dissent and criticism of government policies remain lawful within a democratic framework.
Calling on the Attorney General to “restore constitutional order,” he urged the reopening of schools, release or arraignment of detainees in competent courts, and the establishment of an independent judicial panel to investigate the crisis.
The Ebonyi State Government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations contained in the letter.
The situation in Amasiri continues to generate debate within legal and civic circles, particularly regarding the balance between security operations and the protection of constitutional rights.
