News
Amnesty International Demands Immediate Release of Shafi’u Tureta Over Social Media Post on Sokoto Governor
Amnesty International has issued a fresh demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Shafi’u Tureta, who was arrested and allegedly unlawfully detained on the orders of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Tureta’s arrest followed his reposting of a viral video showing a lavish birthday party held for the governor’s wife, which has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression in Nigeria.
According to Amnesty International, on August 26, 2024, Tureta was hastily arraigned before a Sokoto magistrate court and subsequently remanded in prison. The human rights organization alleges that the process was rushed, suggesting it is part of a broader plan to keep Tureta indefinitely detained as punishment for exercising his right to free speech. Amnesty described the action as a clear attempt to stifle dissent and suppress criticism of the government.
Tureta’s reposting of the video, which had already gone viral before he shared it, appears to be the primary reason for his arrest. The video, which reportedly depicted an extravagant celebration, has been a source of controversy, with many online users criticizing the lavish display of wealth during a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration, however, has taken a heavy-handed approach by targeting Tureta, a move Amnesty International says is emblematic of a growing intolerance towards dissent.
Amnesty International strongly condemned the actions of the Sokoto state government, calling Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s crackdown on critics “frightening” and unacceptable in a democratic society. “No one should be punished solely for expressing an opinion that is contrary to that of the government or its officials,” the organization stated, adding that the governor’s actions are in direct violation of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression.
The human rights group expressed deep concern that Tureta’s detention is part of a broader pattern of silencing dissent in Sokoto state. Amnesty called on the Nigerian authorities to ensure that individuals are not punished for peacefully expressing their views, regardless of how critical they may be of those in power.
“The targeting of Shafi’u Tureta and other critics by the Sokoto state government is nothing short of an attempt to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression, particularly of those who hold and express views critical of the government,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
The organization urged the Nigerian government to uphold its international obligations, particularly in protecting the rights to freedom of expression and opinion. It also called for greater transparency in the handling of Tureta’s case and for the release of any other individuals who may have been wrongfully detained for similar reasons.
The case has sparked outrage on social media, with activists and citizens alike calling for Tureta’s immediate release and condemning the Sokoto state government’s actions as an abuse of power. Many have expressed concerns over the growing climate of fear for those who speak out against the government in Nigeria, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in the country.
News
Arewa APC Merger Group Hails President Tinubu for Release of Detained minors
The Arewa APC Merger Group has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his swift and compassionate response in ordering the release of detained minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement signed by National Coordinator Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa in Abuja, the group expressed gratitude for the President’s decisive action, which has brought renewed hope to many Nigerians.
The group commended President Tinubu for showing strong leadership on the issue, noting that his actions demonstrate a commitment to justice and the well-being of Nigeria’s youth.
They emphasized that this move reassures citizens of the President’s dedication to fairness and the protection of human rights under his administration.
The release order from President Tinubu came after the Arewa APC Merger Group took substantial steps to advocate for the detained children.
In response to reports of mistreatment, including allegations of malnutrition and poor conditions, the group provided essential food and support to the minors both at the Federal High Court in Abuja and while in custody.
This effort underscored the group’s commitment to the welfare of young Nigerians and their resolve to seek justice.
Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa stated that the group is encouraged by the President’s response and considers it a positive signal of his administration’s commitment to addressing national issues with compassion and responsibility.
The Arewa APC Merger Group remains hopeful that this action will set a precedent for prioritizing the rights and well-being of Nigeria’s youth across the country.
President Tinubu’s decision to release the children reflects his administration’s acknowledgment of the calls from various stakeholders to uphold justice and safeguard the future of young Nigerians.
The Arewa APC Merger Group expressed their appreciation for this significant step, which they believe will strengthen public confidence in the government’s dedication to the rights of all citizens.
News
Breaking: Court Drops Charges Against Minors
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out the charges brought against a total of 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters.
All 119 protesters were arraigned on Friday, November 1 on charges bordering on Treason felony, inciting to mutiny, among others.
The defendants were arraigned in two batches at the previous proceeding.
The first batch comprised a total of 76 protesters which included 32 minors and the second batch a total of 43 protesters.
The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, struck out the suit following an application by the counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, M. D Abubakar, to take over and discontinue the matter.
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News
NNPP Crisis: Assembly Members Deny Factional Differences
By Salisu Baso
As the crisis erupted within Kano’s ruling party NNPP, with some members calling for the governor to stand independently, the Kano State House of Assembly has denied knowledge of any of its members being involved in the rifts.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Lawan Hussain, representing Dala Constituency, revealed this to newsmen in an interview with journalists over the publication of an online newspaper, Daily Nigeria, stating that some members of the NNPP in the House have joined the factional crisis.
He described the news as a fabricated and mischievous story from unpatriotic elements planning to destroy the peace reigning within the party. He said that as far as the members of the House are concerned, there are no conflicts between the governor and the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The Majority Leader therefore assured the party parliament members of their solid support for the leader of the Kwankwasiyya and state governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, adding that the governor considers Senator Kwankwaso his mentor.
On the issue of some party members calling for the governor to be independent (Tsaya da Kafar Ka), Hon. Dala said the governor is operating independently without interference from any person. He therefore accused some opposition politicians from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, of sponsoring unpatriotic people to ignite a crisis in the state with a view to disrupting the government’s development initiatives.
Arewa APC Merger Group Hails President Tinubu for Release of Detained minors
Gov. Yusuf, Falana SAN, Secure the Release of 71 Kano Minors Arrested During August Protest
Breaking: Court Drops Charges Against Minors
NNPP Crisis: Assembly Members Deny Factional Differences
Kano Commissioner Sponsors 500 Students for NCE Program
Exclusive: How Kano Govt. Withdraws Accreditation of 14 Journalists Covering Government House
Northern Power Outage: Kano Manufacturers Lose Over 100 Billion Naira, May Lay Off Workers
APC Crisis : Chieftain gives Ganduje 7 days ultimatum to resign
Civil Society Situation Room Applauds KANSIEC for Peaceful Conduct of Elections
Kano Assembly Describes Power Outage to North as Economic Sabotage
Arewa APC Merger Group Hails President Tinubu for Release of Detained minors
Gov. Yusuf, Falana SAN, Secure the Release of 71 Kano Minors Arrested During August Protest
Breaking: Court Drops Charges Against Minors
NNPP Crisis: Assembly Members Deny Factional Differences
Kano Commissioner Sponsors 500 Students for NCE Program
Exclusive: How Kano Govt. Withdraws Accreditation of 14 Journalists Covering Government House
Northern Power Outage: Kano Manufacturers Lose Over 100 Billion Naira, May Lay Off Workers
APC Crisis : Chieftain gives Ganduje 7 days ultimatum to resign
Civil Society Situation Room Applauds KANSIEC for Peaceful Conduct of Elections
Kano Assembly Describes Power Outage to North as Economic Sabotage
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