By Sadiq Umar, Abuja – The opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the arrest Tuesday of its Chieftain, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi and other opposition elements by the Buhari led All Progressive Congress federal government.
The party claimed it is aware of grand plot by the APC government to arrest more notable leaders of the PDP over unverified allegation, adding that the move was meant cow and silence the opposition in the country.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, PDP said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Mr. Dokpesi before any fair hearing, shows he was a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with the PDP.
According to the statement, “While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.
“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.
“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.
“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office” PDP alleged.
