The Peace Advocate in Kogi Central, Justice and Order, Say No to Violence in Ebira land has condemned in strong terms and unequivocally rejected the recent remarks attributed to former Governor Yahaya Bello, in which he allegedly called for the arrest and prosecution of opposition leaders, whom he described as “political criminals.”
In a statement, the spokesperson, Alh. Oganya Abdurazak Mamman, said the statement is not only undemocratic but also constitutes a dangerous threat to good governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
According to Oganya, democracy thrives where there is a vibrant opposition that holds government accountable, promotes transparency, and provides alternative viewpoints in both the electoral process and governance.
“It is important to remind Nigerians that this is not the first time such threats have been made. Prior to the 2023 general elections, the Ex-Governor Bello publicly threatened that anyone who dared to oppose his political ambition would be sent to a place where they would “never see the light of the sun or the moon”—a clear reference to the grave. By the grace of God, and through the vigilance of the people and relevant institutions, those threats were neutralised”, he said.
He noted that as another election cycle approaches, it is deeply troubling to hear him allegedly urging the current governor to be “bold enough” to arrest and prosecute opposition figures under the guise of fighting “political criminals”, adding that such rhetoric is reckless, inflammatory, and capable of inciting political persecution and violence.
The group, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Attorney-General of the Federation, the judiciary, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat these threats with the seriousness they deserve.
‘The President himself was once a leading opposition figure and understands the indispensable role opposition voices play in sustaining democracy”, the group said.
Bello was speaking in Abuja during a Call to Bar ceremony of the daughter of Kogi state Accountant General and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Hajia Habibat Tijani Onumoko.
He stated, Nigeria’s democracy must never be reduced to a system where dissent is criminalised or opposition is persecuted. “We will continue to defend the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to participate freely in the democratic process without fear of intimidation, harassment, or political victimisation” he asserted.