- The PRP condemned the arrest as a blatant attempt to stifle free speech and conceal the truth.
- The party urged the authorities to respect citizens’ rights and focus on addressing real societal issues.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has demanded the immediate release of Shafi’u Umar Tureta, a social media user who was detained for sharing a video of the governor’s wife’s extravagant birthday celebration.
The party strongly condemns the arrest, viewing it as a blatant attempt by the Sokoto State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to stifle free speech and conceal the truth.
In a statement signed by Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, Acting National Publicity Secretary of PRP and made available to Daily Trust on Saturday, the party 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.
The party while expressing shock and outrage at the arrest, said it is a clear case of the police authorities and the Sokoto state government using their powers to silence criticism and suppress the truth.
“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 PRP therefore, urged the Sokoto State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to immediately release Tureta and charge the governor’s wife, who is the subject of the viral video, to court, if they have any case against her.
“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 statement added, calling on all Nigerians to stand with the party 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.”
Additionally, the party asked the authorities 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.”
The party emphasised that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and will take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.