Dr Bukola Saraki, the Senate President is unhappy with the arrest and detention of activist, Deji Adeyanju, saying it presents Nigeria’s “democracy in bad light” and “looking like a country that has receded to the period of military rule”.
Adeyanju, a human rights activist and strong critic of the Buhari administration was arrested by the Police on December 13 while he participated in a civil protest at the police headquarters in Abuja.
Police then dusted up a murder case against the activist that has since been discharged by a Kano State High Court between 2005-2009.
The Police in Abuja held Adeyanju in detention without charges for five days before moving him to Kano earlier this week and arraigned him on December 19 before Justice Hassan Fagge, who ordered his remand in prison till after the next year’s election.
“It is obvious that this case is purely political and not about any judicial action”, said the Senate President. “I also call on all human rights protection groups to wade into this matter and ensure we do not watch helplessly as the rights of a citizen are being trampled upon.”
“We are now looking like a country that has receded to the period of military rule,” Saraki added.
He wants President Muhammadu Buhari to personally intervene, reminding him that “prior to the coming to office of this government, those of us in opposition, the APC, freely criticized the Goodluck Jonathan government and flayed their actions and statements without any attempt by the administration to stifle opposing views.”
Others speaking up
But Dr. Saraki is not alone in calling attention to the travails of Deji Adeyanju. Former Aviation Minster and key opposition figure, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode used his Facebook page to send out encouragement to Mr. Adeyanju expressing hope that he will “stand tall and fight till the end” and “overcome”.
“Today may belong to our adversaries but tomorrow belongs to us! The night may be dark but joy comes in the morning!”, he surmised.
U.S.-based Nigerian Pastor Reno Omokri, also a critic of government took the matter a notch forward claiming he has, on behalf of Adeyanju, lodged a complaint of the “unjust treatment meted out to Adeyanju to the international community”.
Online, citizens are actively rally for support for the release of the beleaguered activist with the #FreeDejiAdeyanjuNOW.
