An advocacy group, Advocacy for Peace, Justice and Order, Say No To Violence in Ebiraland, has condemned remarks allegedly made by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in which he called for the arrest and prosecution of opposition leaders described as “political criminals.”
In a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Alhaji O.A. Mamman, Ph.D in-view, and released on Saturday Lokoja, the group described the comment as undemocratic and a threat to democratic governance, civil liberties and the rule of law.
The group said democracy thrives where there is a vibrant opposition that holds government accountable, promotes transparency and provides alternative viewpoints in both elections and governance.
“Such rhetoric is reckless, inflammatory, and capable of inciting political persecution and violence,” the statement read.
Mamman recalled a similar incident prior to the 2023 general elections, when Bello allegedly threatened that anyone who opposed his political ambition would be sent to a place where they would “never see the light of the sun or the moon” — a reference the group said implied death.
“By the grace of God, and through the vigilance of the people and relevant institutions, those threats were never carried out,” he said.
The group expressed concern that with another election cycle approaching, Bello was allegedly urging the current governor to be “bold enough” to arrest and prosecute opposition figures under the guise of fighting “political criminals.”
It 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 the threats with the seriousness they deserve.
The group noted that President Tinubu himself was once a leading opposition figure and understands the role opposition voices play in sustaining democracy.
The statement also appealed to civil society organizations and the international community to closely monitor developments and ensure that no individual, regardless of status, intimidates or suppresses legitimate political opposition.
“Nigeria’s democracy must never be reduced to a system where dissent is criminalized 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 victimization,” Mamman stated.
