Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
FeaturedHighlightTrending Story

Igboho, Kanu: Don’t let Nigeria regress into era of lawless military jackboots, Okei-Odumakin begs Nigerians

262

“We also must not relapse under military jackboots because this is a democracy brought about by great sacrifice in lives, limbs, and personal comforts and conveniences.

“We are a country under law. Fundamental rights must be respected. The Constitution that gives the government its powers also accords the people their rights and privileges. It is not acceptable for the government to claim its own powers under the Constitution while abridging those of the people freely given under the same Constitution”

Nigeria must not be allowed to relapse into the days of military jackboots and state-sponsored terrorism as witnessed under maximum ruler, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, decades ago, an activist has said.

The President of Campaign for Democracy, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, said Nigeria’s democracy should be defended and prevented from being relapsing under military jackboots.

“We also must not relapse under military jackboots because this is a democracy brought about by great sacrifice in lives, limbs, and personal comforts and conveniences.

“We are a country under law. Fundamental rights must be respected. The Constitution that gives the government its powers also accords the people their rights and privileges.

“It is not acceptable for the government to claim its own powers under the Constitution while abridging those of the people freely given under the same Constitution,” Okei-Odumakin said in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.

Reacting to the raid carried out on the house of the Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho by DSS-led forces, she said it amounted to a vicious violation of his rights.

“The vicious violation of the rights of Chief Sunday Igboho, whose house was raided without a search warrant, belong in a banana republic.

“The wanton destruction of lives and property of a citizen that has not been found guilty of a crime by a court of competent jurisdiction is alien to democratic norms.

“It is also anatemma to the rule of law,” Okei-Odumakin also said.

On the sales girl allegedly felled by stray bullet near the Yoruba Nation rally in Ojota, Lagos, on Saturday, the woman activist called for a thorough investigation into the girl’s death.

She equally asked the police to release unconditionally all those arrested at the rally.

“Protests are an intrinsic part of democracy – except this is not a democracy!

“In light of the foregoing, we demand the following: that the rights of citizens to protest must be respected by government, that thorough investigation be made into the alleged death of a girl in the vicinity of the Ojota rally of Saturday.”

Persecondnews had reported that the police command in Lagos State had in a statement denied that the girl was killed by a stray bullet, insisting that “no live bullet was fired at the rally.”

On IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Okei-Odumakin stated: “The controversy surrounding the alleged international abduction or kidnapping of Kanu is an embarrassment to right-thinking Nigerians.

“In the past under the Abacha junta, this country was treated by the international community as a pariah with all the embarrassment, discomfiture, and loss of esteem suffered by Nigerians.

“We must never tread that ignoble path again.

“In the midst of this chaotic disorder, the National Assembly is also attempting to alter the Electoral Act (Sec 50 (2)) on Tuesday, 6th July, 2021 with an attempt to remove electronic transmission of vote making it discretionary.

“That all those arrested be released forthwith and unconditionally, that government should respond to allegations that Kanu was kidnapped/abducted from a foreign country against international law and conventions, that the said Kanu should be deemed innocent until proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.

“That he should be given fair hearing conducted in the open and his health must not be impaired or compromised throughout the period of his trial, government should stop hunting Igboho who is only exercising his rights to protest bad governance.

“Instead, government should focus its attention on combating the insurgency ravaging the country.”

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...