Groups complain about State induced terror

Worried by the rising incidents of abuse of rights of Nigerians by the state, a pro-democracy coalition has advised the Presidency to stop instilling fear into Nigerians.

The Co-Convener, the Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), Mr Ariyo-Dare Atoye, said in a statement that the people would not be cowed by "some misguided actions" of the state to "silence critics, infringe on people's fundamental human rights and undermine the right to fair hearing as well as free speech".

Atoye condemned the "provocative arrest and illegal detention of Ms. Precious Chikwendu, the wife of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former spokesman to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ado-Ekiti."

He said: "We are not unaware that this contrived and vicious anti-corruption crusade will hit an appalling level where the state, in an unbridled thirst to show off powers and cover up its failings, will be harassing, intimidating and victimising ordinary citizens.

"We are miffed at the lack of discretion of the state to come down so low to the level of detaining an innocent lady with a toddler under the guise of fighting corruption, when she has not flouted any law or resisted the invitation of the EFCC.

"We saw all this coming after this regime invaded the temple of justice in an odious coup that was plotted to subvert the independence of the judiciary and pull down the last gate shielding the common man from abuses. We know that the plan of the Presidency is for everyone to live in the fear of the state and kowtow to every of its decisions, both favourable and unfavourable, without resistance or criticisms.

"We wish to assure this regime that Nigerians will never bow to terror; the citizens would rather resist oppression and get more emboldened by its action to countermine their constitutionally-guaranteed rights."

The coalition, however, advised the government to devote much of its attention and powers toward getting Nigeria out of economic recession, adding that "Nigerians are no longer thrilled by its fundamentally flawed anti-graft war which lacks sincerity of purpose."

It added: "The empowerment of Nigerians and eradication of poverty is very strategic to a successful anti-corruption campaign. Aside strengthening the anti-graft institutions to be independent and to operate in accordance with the rule of law, it will take the collective will of the citizens to bring sanity to the nation and defeat corruption."

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