The National Executive Council, NEC, of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, yesterday, accused the Federal Government of
“receding into an authoritarian regime” as it now picks outspoken Nigerians and
detains them without trial.
Rising from its meeting in Enugu yesterday, Ohanaeze gave the example of
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who it said was recently arrested and detained for
several days without being told the reasons for his incarceration.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Media Aide of the President
General of the association, Chief Emeka Attamah
.
The statement read in part, “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has condemned
the recent arrest, detention and harassment of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe by the
Department of State Services, DSS.
“Abaribe’s detention was an aberration
because under the law, nobody should be detained for more than 48 hours without
being charged to court or released.
“His incarceration and harassment
could make others with the interest of the nation at heart to develop cold feet
instead of contributing ideas to the growth of the nation.
“Ohanaeze regretted that by the action
of the Federal Government, the country is gradually receding into
authoritarianism.”
![]() |
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe |
“Rather than compare the number of
casualties, the Federal Government should rejig its security apparatus, stop
further killings and appease the families and communities affected by the
senseless killings.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo observes that while
the Federal Government proscribed IPOB a harmless organization, Miyetti Allah
which has openly claimed responsibility for most of the attacks for just the
killing or rustling of their cattle has been going around .
“If government could label IPOB a
terrorist organization, there was no reason that Miyetti Allah, the umbrella
body of cattle herders should not be proscribed and their leaders prosecuted.
“Ohanaeze is asking: how many
suspected Fulani herdsmen have been taken to court for either the killings in
the country or for carrying Ak-47 rifles about in the full glare of security
operatives, contrary to the provisions of the law.”
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: Comment expressed do not reflect the opinion of African Parliamentary News