…..SDP Candidate ‘OBA’ demands unconditional release of arrested Protesters.
As the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest enters it tenth day, some youths in Ondo State who came out in Akure, the state capital, to join the protest were today arrested by security operatives.
The arrested protesters included the governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 election in the state, Kunle Ajayi.
AAC is the political party of one of the protest organizers, Omoyele Sowore.
An eyewitness disclosed that the protesters who converged on the popular NEPA roundabout, were dispersed by the men of security agents but they refused to leave the venue.
According to one of the protesters, Barr. Tope Temokun, who condemned the arrest of nine protesters, said there was no evidence of violence to warrant the arrest of the protesters.
He said “the resort to arrest of peaceful protesters by men of the Nigeria police in Akure today is unnecessary, dissipation of energy and uncalled for.
“Particularly regarding the manner in which the protesters have coordinated their protest and what engagement transpired between the protesters and the police before the arrest.”
He disclosed that “as at yesterday a letter was submitted by the leadership of “Take It Back movement” to the Nigeria Police in Akure, notifying the police of today’s protest and inviting the police for protection.
“In an orderly manner this morning the protesters with placards in their hands have commenced their peaceful procession in the city, around NEPA roundabout and this arrest took place after the protesters have been engaged by the leadership of the police team who came and demanded the protesters proceed to a designated approved venue which was said to be Arcade.
“But unknown to the protesters who were promptly complying by filing out to the said approved venue, it was a mere design to trap them to isolation and arrest them.
“As the protesters were heading there peacefully, they were ambushed by the arresting team of the Nigerian Police who were acting on orders from above and arrested the youths.
“This style of engaging citizens with deceits in civic engagement will not only lead to further loss of total trust and confidence in the police, it is very disgraceful and smacks of playing to gallery to win empty accolade from the government”
He stated further that “the arrest that took place is highly condemnable and stands condemned. If the government has any evidence of violence from the protesters it should come out with it.
Meanwhile, the state Police command did not confirm the arrest of the nine protesters, while the state Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Funmi Odunlami, said she would get back to our correspondent as she was attending to an official assignments
Press Statement
SDP Gubernatorial Candidate OBA Condemns Arrest of Peaceful Protesters in Ondo State
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate for Ondo State, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), strongly condemns the arrest of peaceful protesters in Akure, the state capital, in the early hours of today.
OBA calls on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to immediately and unconditionally release these citizens including the AAC Governorship Candidate, Kunle Ajayi Wizeman and human rights activist, Patrix Owolabiwho were exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
According to reports, security forces, including the Army, Civil Defence, Police, and Amotekun, acting on the directive of Governor Aiyedatiwa, apprehended protesters in the Alagbaka area of Akure South, between Officers Mess and Senior Staff Club. The demonstrators were subsequently taken to an undisclosed location.
OBA emphasizes that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental human right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. He questions the governor’s apparent fear of public demonstration and reminds the state government of its obligation to protect citizens’ rights, not suppress them.
The SDP candidate joins the voices of concerned Ondo State youths in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters. OBA urges Governor Aiyedatiwa to respect the democratic process and engage in dialogue with citizens rather than resorting to intimidation tactics.
OBA reaffirms his commitment to upholding the rights of all Ondo State residents and pledges to foster an environment of open communication and respect for civil liberties if elected governor.
Signed
Oyeniyi Iwakun
Strategic Communications and Media Adviser to SDP Gubernatorial Candidate.
