By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has said that it is shocked and outraged by the arrest of Shafi’u Umar Tureta, a Social Media user, by the Nigerian Police Force in Sokoto State.
Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, acting National Publicity Secretary of the PRP made the call on behalf of the party and made it available to journalists on Saturday.
He said, this is a clear case of the Nigerian Police Force and the Sokoto State Government using their powers to silence criticism and suppress the truth.
“The party is aware that Tureta posted a viral video of a lavish and extravagant birthday party of the wife of the Governor, which has sparked widespread outrage and criticism,” it said.
PRP said, “Instead of addressing the issues raised by the video, the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian Police Force have chosen to arrest and intimidate the messenger.
“This is a clear case of persecution and we condemn it in strongest terms, the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian Police Force have become partners in the acts of abusing the law and power,” the statement added.
Comrade Ishaq urged the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to immediately release Shafi’u Umar Tureta and charge the governor’s wife, who is the subject of the viral video, to court if they have any case against her.
According to the party, “it is outrageous that they are using their powers to intimidate and silence a citizen who has only exercised his right to freedom of expression.
“The PRP calls on all Nigerians to stand with us in condemning this act of tyranny and to demand accountability from those who have been entrusted with public office. We will not stand idly by while our rights are being trampled upon.
“We also urge the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to respect the rights of citizens and to focus on addressing the real issues that affect our society, rather than wasting their time and resources on petty political vendettas.
“PRP will continue to monitor this situation closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served,” the statement stressed.