Minority Caucus Condemns Crackdown On Criticism, Demands Release of Detained Citizens.
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has criticised the Federal Government for its alleged crackdown on citizens who express dissent and demanded the immediate release of detained individuals.
In a statement dated 22 December 2024, signed by the Minority Caucus Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the group expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of harassment and intimidation targeting critics of government policies.
“The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives is very concerned about the growing controversial clampdown on citizens criticising government,” the statement read. “It is equally disturbing that agents of state are fingered in the brazen, callous, and ill-tempered harassment of citizens who express their disagreement and apprehensions about government policies which they believe will exacerbate the already dire situation in the country.”
The Caucus condemned actions aimed at silencing dissent, warning that such measures could undermine democratic principles. “Democracy can only thrive where there is virile opposition, dissenting voices, and alternative opinions expressed without fear or hindrance,” the statement emphasised.
Highlighting the governing party’s past, the Caucus pointed out that before coming to power in 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged in sharp and critical attacks on the then-ruling party. “It is surprising that a party that went roughshod in attacking and castigating the PDP now abhors and rejects criticism with such derision,” the statement noted.
While urging that criticism remain civil and within legal bounds, the Caucus called on the government to abandon intimidation and instead focus on life-changing policies that positively impact citizens. It further pledged to take legislative actions to address any continued abuse of citizens’ rights.
The statement concluded with a demand for the immediate release of all individuals detained for criticising government policies, stressing that suppressing dissent only hinders democracy and the free exchange of ideas.