The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed fears over the safety
of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, (PDP Abia), who was arrested by the
Directorate of Security Services (DSS).
The party lamented that the Gestapo-style arrest of Abaribe has further
confirmed the earlier alarm that the APC-led Federal Government has
commenced a total clampdown on the opposition and perceived opponents of
President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.
The clampdown on Senator Abaribe is feared to be in furtherance of the
moves to intimidate and emasculate members of the National Assembly who
are known for their outspokenness against the constitutional violations
and misrule of the APC administration.
The PDP notes that the Federal Government has given no reasons for the
arrest and detention of Senator Abaribe, who has been kept incommunicado
without access to his lawyers and associates.
The party also notes the apprehension of Nigerians following numerous
alleged plots by the Federal Government to frame up other lawmakers,
including Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President,
Senator Ike Ekweremmadu, as well as Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani.
Nigerians can now see that our dear nation is fast descending into a
fascist state where constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech no
longer obtains and citizens are marked, arrested and detained on the
whims and caprices of those in power.
The PDP charges the DSS to immediately declare Senator Abaribe’s
whereabouts, as well as the charge against him. Moreover, the laws of
our nation are clear on the process of arrest and prosecution of any
citizen and not recourse to clampdown and intimidation.
