The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kebbi State Chapter, has alleged plans by certain influential individuals to arrest opposition members in the state, including its spokesperson.
In a statement on Tuesday, its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Engr. Abubakar Musa, alleged that “certain influential individuals plan to use security agencies to take action against ADC members who express their political opinions, promote the party’s policies, and use social media platforms to disseminate political messages.”
According to him, of particular concern to the party is the allegation that even the ADC spokesperson is among those reportedly being targeted for arrest.
“If this report is confirmed, it would constitute a serious cause for concern, particularly considering that the responsibility of a party spokesperson is to communicate the party’s positions, policies, and activities to the general public”, the statement read in part.
Background To The Story
The Party emphasised that this incident was not the first time it had raised concerns over similar allegations.
It alleged that the party’s Local Government Chairman in Maiyama was recently arrested and reportedly spent almost two weeks in prison before he was eventually released.
Similarly, it also alleged that approximately eight members of the party’s Media Team are currently facing court proceedings.
In another separate incident, the party said it lodged a formal complaint at the Kebbi State Police Command Headquarters against a senior government official more than one month ago. However, according to the party, it had yet to receive any comprehensive information regarding the action taken or the current status of the investigation into the complaint.
“These developments have compelled the ADC to call on the relevant authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted and the law is enforced fairly and impartially, without political discrimination or favouritism based on an individual’s status or political affiliation.
In view of these concerns, the Party called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to closely monitor and investigate all reports of human rights violations, intimidation, harassment, or abuse of fundamental rights.
It urged the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to clarify the status of the complaint submitted by the ADC more than one month ago and ensure that its personnel are not used as instruments of intimidation against opposition members.
The party urged judicial authorities to ensure the protection of every citizen’s rights and uphold due process and the principles of justice without discrimination, while also urging the Independent Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to monitor these developments, conduct independent investigations, and defend political freedoms and the right to freedom of expression.
‘Our Position’
It reiterated that belonging to an opposition political party was not a crime.
“Expressing political opinions, criticising government policies, and disseminating political messages are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, provided they are exercised within the confines of the law.
“The ADC will not accept any attempt to use political power or state institutions to silence citizens, suppress their opinions, or deny them the freedom to participate in legitimate political activities”, the statement said.
It also urged party members to remain calm, law-abiding, and peaceful, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and report any incidents of intimidation or harassment to the appropriate authorities.
“Government has a responsibility to protect all citizens, not just those who support it.
“The law does not distinguish between those in government and those in opposition. Every complaint deserves proper investigation, and every individual accused of an offence is entitled to justice and a fair hearing”, the statement said.
“Democracy cannot thrive through intimidation, threats, or the forced silence of citizens. It flourishes through the protection of individual freedoms, respect for fundamental human rights, and the consistent application of the rule of law”, the statement added.
Meanwhile, the party also said it received reports that the residence of a social media blogger, Mudasir Sani, was raided.
The party called on the relevant authorities to clarify the reasons behind the raid and ensure that his fundamental rights as a citizen are fully respected.
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