During an EndBadGovernance protest in Ondo, a gubernatorial candidate and several activists were arrested. The arrests highlight escalating tensions and government response to the ongoing demonstrations for political reform.
During a protest against bad governance on Saturday, Kunle Ajayi Wizeman, the candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State was apprehended.
Along with other protesters in Akure, the state capital, Wizeman got apprehended by operatives from Ondo State police command.
Among others, Patrick Owolabi, Oluwatobi Akinkuotu, Kolawole Kumuyi and Olalekan Oladehinde were identified as the other arrested protesters.
While accompanying a group of protesters to the NEPA roundabout, the AAC candidate for governor was confronted by Nigerian police officers who instructed them to relocate their demonstration to Gani Fawehinmi Arcade Ground as it was an authorized venue.
One of the protesters, Gbenga Ikujuni, claimed that his fellow demonstrators were apprehended by the same group of police officers who had guided them to the arcade where they planned to gather.
Tope Temokun, a human rights activist and lawyer from Ondo State, criticized the detainment. He revealed that organizers of the demonstration, Take It Back movement had notified the police in writing about their intention to protest.
Temokun requested Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa to release the protesters since they did not pose any danger to their civic action.
Yesterday, the leadership of the Take It Back movement submitted a letter to notify and invite the Nigeria Police in Akure for protection during today’s protest.
Engaging citizens through deceitful means in civic engagement is not only shameful but also damages the already dwindling trust and confidence in law enforcement. It reeks of pandering to gain superficial recognition from government authorities.
Despite the lack of food, jobs, good roads, health insurance and security in this country; citizens still possess the constitutional right to protest peacefully. The police and government are not authorized to strip them of their constitutionally given rights.
Nigerian citizens have only their voice, expression and protest rights as true assets today. When the government responds to exercise of these rights with crackdowns, it invites lawlessness; if pushed too far, citizens will ultimately succumb.
The arrest that occurred is extremely deplorable and has already been condemned. In case the protesters have committed any acts of violence, the government must provide evidence to support their claims.
