The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Arewa Youth Ambassadors on Thursday demanded the immediate release of Human Rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
In separate statements, the groups slammed the police for violating Sowore’s constitutional rights to freedom.
The CUPP passed its message through the group’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, while Yahaya Abdullahi, the National Coordinator for the Arewa Youth Ambassadors made the opinion of the group public.
According to Ameh, Sowore’s detention flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and opinion.
He also accused police of turning into a tool of oppression saying, “We strongly condemn the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police, an act that flouts Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and share ideas without interference.
“This arrest is not only unjust but also a disturbing misuse of police power, turning an institution meant to protect Nigerians into a tool for oppression and personal vendettas. This arrest is a blatant abuse of power and an affront to the principles of justice and accountability enshrined in the constitution.
“The Nigerian Police owe Nigerians a clear explanation for Sowore’s arrest. Denying him his right to bail is indefensible and further exposes the misuse of authority to silence dissent. We demand his immediate and unconditional release, and if the Inspector General believes there is a case to answer, Sowore should be charged to court without delay,” he stated.
On his part, Abdullahi condemned Sowore’s continued detention and gave the federal authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release him or face protests across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“In line with this, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian authorities to release Sowore or face nationwide protests in all 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory. We will mobilise peaceful mass action in solidarity with Sowore and in defence of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians to freedom of expression and assembly.
“We call on all progressive forces—civil society groups, student unions, labour movements, and the general public—to rise in unity against the growing tyranny and misuse of state power. Nigeria belongs to us all, and no government has the right to crush dissent in a democratic society”, the statement added.
The police are yet to issue an official response to the reason for Sowore’s arrest.
