The People Democratic Party, PDP, has ordered the Nigeria Police to release supporters of the party in Akwa Ibom State, who were allegedly arrested prior to the presidential and National Assembly elections.
Releasing a Press statement, Publicity Secretary of the major opposition party in the state, Ini Ememobong, said that members of his party in the state were unlawfully arrested and detained in the build up to the election for series of unimaginable reasons including putting on party items, caps and cloths.
Ememobong said that the gesture was sponsored by the All Progressives Congress. He further revealed that prior to the alleged arrests, his party had called on the entire world of plans by the APC to intimidate members of the PDP in the state, especially high ranking supporters of the party.
The spokesperson of the party feared that over 100 supporters of the party are currently detained by the Nigeria Police, on the orders of the All Progressive Congress.
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Mr. Ememobong said the reason he is ordering the police to release supporters of his party in the state is so as to enable to express their franchise in the March 9 gubernatorial election in the state, citing that the first round of elections were over, talking about the presidential and national assembly elections.
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He however noted that if in any instance, supporters of the PDP are found wanting as to have failed the law, they should be legally charged to court and treated within the ambit of the law.
“These arrests were made without lawful justification and for the most flimsy reasons, like wearing a PDP cap. Most of the detainees have been denied access to their family and friends.” – Ememobong is quoted as saying.