A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State, Oyedele Hakeem Alao has condemned the arrest and prosecution of twelve people who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of the state of alleged land grabbing.
Newspot reports that twelve mechanics in Ibadan have been remanded at Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
They were arrested over alleged threats and defamation against Makinde.
12 mechanics remanded in prison over alleged threat, defamation of Makinde
But, Alao in his reaction, described the arrest and prosecution of the twelve people as unfortunate.
The APC chieftain in a statement made available to Newspot on Monday, condemned the actions of the governor, adding that the arrest amounted to dictatorial behaviour.
He questioned why a peaceful protest over allegations of illegal land acquisition could lead to such serious charges.
The APC chieftain maintained that previous office holders faced criticism without resorting to arresting peaceful protesters.
“It is very unfortunate that 12 residents, including a 71-year-old man, are currently being remanded in Agodi prison over a protest where they accused Governor Makinde of illegally acquiring their land.
“These residents have been charged with ‘treasonable felony,’ despite the fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows for peaceful protest.
“Whenever people gather to protest, they do so because they are angry about certain issues. They may express their grievances in various ways. A responsive government should address their concerns rather than orchestrate arrests. If President Bola Tinubu had arrested Nigerians for daily criticism, all would have been imprisoned today”.
“It is no longer a secret that the government is selling public assets, including libraries and motor parks, to private interests. Today, over 200,000 residents may be displaced due to land acquisitions for private estates. The 500-meter setback for the Circular Road project remains a serious concern for those affected,” he noted.
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