Pres. Muhammadu Buhari
FeaturedHighlightTrending Story

Group to Buhari: You called for Jonathan’s resignation but you were not arrested and detained

353

 

The arrest of the media aide to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Salisu Tanko-Yakasai by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the weekend for criticising President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC has received heavy flak from Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond chaired by human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana.

The group condemned in strong terms the repression of voice of dissent in a democracy by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

It said Tanko-Yakasai had legitimately exercised his constitutional right by speaking against perceived faults in the government.

The group reminded Buhari that the All Progressives Congress and its leaders repeatedly called for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation between 2013 and 2014 but were never subjected to any form of intimidation for exercising their freedom of expression.

It described Tanko-Yakasai’s arrest as discriminatory, noting that there have been stringent calls for President Buhari’s resignation from civil rights advocates, legislators, retired military officers and political party leaders including chieftains of the APC.

“ASCAB has confirmed that Mr. Tanko- Yakasai is being held incommunicado in an undisclosed detention facility.

“Having regard to the fact that civil rights advocates, retired military officers and political party leaders, including chieftains of the All Progressives Congress have repeatedly asked President Buhari to call it quits due to the worsening insecurity in the country there is no justification whatsoever for the arrest and detention of Mr. Tanko- Yakasai.

“In both Chambers of the National Assembly, there have been strident calls by legislators for President Buhari’s resignation or impeachment on the grounds that criminal gangs have taken over the monopoly of violence in the country.

“Since such concerned citizens were never arrested the ongoing harassment of Mr. Tanko-Yankasai is high-handed, discriminatory and illegal.

“It is on record that the APC and its leaders, including General Muhammadu Buhari; National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Alhaji Lai Mohammed repeatedly called for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation between 2013 and 2014. Yet they were never subjected to any form of intimidation for exercising their freedom of expression at the material time,” the group said in a statement on Sunday.

Warning that calls for President Buhari’s resignation are likely to continue by other concerned individuals and groups over the security situation in the country, ASCAB urged the government “not to be intolerant of criticism in respect of their office so as to ensure that they are accountable to the people.”

“They should not be made to feel that they live in an ivory tower and therefore belong to a different class. They must develop thick skins and where possible, plug their ears with wool if they feel too sensitive or irascible.

“In view of the foregoing, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Tanko-Yakasai from illegal custody.

“However, if the State Security Service has evidence that the political detainee has committed any criminal offence known to law, he should be transferred to the police for proper investigation and possible prosecution without any delay,” it said.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...