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Release Sowore Unconditionally, Avoid International Repercussions – Presidential Candidates Tell Buhari
some political parties that participated in the 2019 general elections have called for the unconditional release of the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who before his arrest was masterminding the RevolutionNow protest.
The Presidential candidates and aspirants, under the aegis of the Third Force, made this call via a statement signed by seven of the presidential candidates and aspirants in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
Recall that Sowore, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, was arrested in the early hours of Saturday by men of the Department of State Services (DSS), after he announced plan to lead a nationwide protest billed to take place on Monday (Yesterday).
But, the coalition of former Presidential candidates and aspirants in the statement said that President Muhammadu Buhari should be reminded that the constitution of Nigeria does not allow violation of human rights.
The former Presidential candidates and aspirants in the statement signed by Tope Fasua, 2019 Presidential Candidate, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), Okey Samuel Mbonu, 2019 Presidential Aspirant, Labour Party (LP), SKC Ogbonnia, 2019 Presidential Aspirant, All Progressives Congress (APC), Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, 2019 Presidential Aspirant, Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), Emmanuel Etim, 2019 Presidential Candidate, Change Nigeria Party (CNP), Ayodele O. Favour, 2019 Presidential Aspirant, Young Progressives Party (YPP), Clement Jimbo, 2019 Presidential Aspirant, Social Democratic Party (SDP), implored Buhari to immediately order the applicable agencies of the state to immediately release Sowore unconditionally, in-order to maintain peace in our country, and to deter further national and international repercussions on this matter.
The statement read, “We, the Coalition of former 2019 Presidential Aspirants and Candidates, under the aegis of Third Force Forum, hereby demand the unconditional release of one of our compatriots, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested by an agency of the government on August 2, 2019, pursuant to plans for a protest march across Nigeria; which is within his full constitutional rights toward “Freedom of Expression”, pursuant to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We must also remind you Mr. President, that in addition to the Nigerian Constitution, Nigeria also subscribes to other International Treaties, which prohibit violation of human rights of her citizens.
“To refrain from adhering to these national and international rights, is to invite anarchy onto the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As you are fully aware Mr. President, every democratic government that subscribes to the Rule of Law, has time-tested methods of containing any breach of the peace during peaceful protests; without clamping down on our fundamental rights of “Freedom of Expression” and to peaceably assemble, in-order to address grievances by the government; even when those views expressed are contrary to the views of the current government.
“Therefore, we implore you to immediately order the applicable agencies of the State to immediately release Mr. Omoyele Sowore unconditionally, in-order to maintain peace in our country, and to deter further national and international repercussions on this matter.
“Thank you for your cooperation in this matter Mr. President, we look forward to a mutually respectful Nigeria for all Nigerians.”
The Punch
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
Headlines
Breaking: Supreme Court Recognises Martin Amaewhule As Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders CBN to Stop Releasing Funds to State
By Eric Elezuo
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has in its ruling on Friday recognised Hon Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating him to urgently resume sitting with elected members of the assembly.
The apex court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop releasing to the Rivers State government until a proper assembly is constituted.
Details soon…
Tension escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday as impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa made a dramatic return to reclaim his position.
Accompanied by heavily armed men, Obasa stormed the Assembly complex in a bold move that has thrown the State’s legislature into turmoil.
In a stunning turn of events, security details assigned to the substantive Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, were abruptly withdrawn on Thursday morning, clearing the path for Obasa’s controversial comeback.
Sources revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered the withdrawal of all security operatives attached to Meranda, leaving her exposed in the midst of an intensifying power struggle.
The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the security vacuum created by the withdrawal of personnel.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn.
This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” Ganzallo stated.
He further called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the State’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene urgently to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order within the Assembly.
“The withdrawal of security personnel has left the Assembly naked and vulnerable at a critical time. Urgent action is needed to restore order,” he pleaded.
With the speakership battle taking a dramatic new turn, political watchers are keenly observing how the crisis will unfold in the coming days.
