The Kebbi State African Democratic Congress (ADC) Caucus in the National Assembly has urged the police and Amnesty International to investigate the alleged illegal detention of party members and supporters in the state.
The caucus made the call at a news conference organised in collaboration with the state party Chairman, Safiyanu Bala, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Senator Garba Maidoki (ADC-Kebbi) said that the circumstances surrounding the arrest raised serious questions about due process in the exercise of police powers and citizens’ fundamental rights.
Mr Maidoki said that the caucus recognised the legitimate responsibility of the police and other law-enforcement agencies to investigate suspected offences.
While stating that ADC did not place any of its members above the law, he, however, argued that political affiliation must never become a substitute for evidence, and that political difference must never become a basis for deprivation of liberty.
According to him, where criminal allegations exist, they should be investigated objectively and dealt with through established legal procedures.
“We wish to make a respectful but strong appeal to the judiciary to exercise the highest degree of circumspection, scrutiny independence and fidelity to the law whenever orders affecting the liberty of citizens are sought.
“We trust that the judiciary will continue to serve as an independent safeguard for the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation,” he said.
Mr Maidoki said that a formal complaint concerning the conduct of certain police officers would be submitted to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police.
He urged the authorities to examine the complaints and determine whether any police officer acted contrary to the law, police regulations or professional standards.
The senator stressed the need to investigate alleged political interference, arbitrary detention, unlawful instructions or improper conduct by individual officers.
“We therefore appeal to the Inspector-General to examine the cases presented to his office and take whatever action is appropriate within his powers.
“We will also bring the relevant cases to the attention of Amnesty International, particularly with respect to allegations of excessive or arbitrary use of police powers against political
opponents and supporters of the opposition.
“Where citizens are detained or subjected to criminal proceedings in circumstances suggesting that their political activities may have influenced the actions taken against them, such allegations raise legitimate human rights and democratic concerns,” he stated.
Mr Maidoki said that the Kebbi State chapter of the party demanded an immediate end to any arrest, detention or prosecution undertaken for the purpose of intimidating citizens because of their political affiliation or peaceful political activities.
He said that every ADC member or supporter currently in custody must be treated strictly in accordance with the constitution.
The senator maintained that detainees have the right to know the basis of the arrest, access legal representation and be brought before a competent court.
He called on the Kebbi State Government and relevant authorities to ensure that public institutions were not used to intimidate citizens because of their political affiliations or peaceful political activities.
Mr Maidoki urged members and supporters of the party to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, saying that no provocation should be answered with violence or unlawful retaliation.
“We therefore call on the relevant institutions to give these concerns the attention they deserve and we urge all parties to ensure that the rights and dignity of every citizen are protected, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
Earlier, the Kebbi State chairman of ADC said that issues of alleged illegal detention of innocent citizens should not be treated with kid gloves, as it breached fundamental human rights, due process and the rule of law.
He stated, “Our concern is not about political affiliation. It is about the principles that should govern a democratic society and protect every citizen, regardless of party, status or political persuasion.
“We have therefore assembled here to present the facts as we understand them, raise the concerns of stakeholders and call the attention of the relevant authorities and the Nigerian public to the matter.”
(NAN)