The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the remand of its Presidential Canddiate, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, and the reports of his manhandling within the precincts of the court on Monday.
AAC, Deputy National Chairperson (South East), Comrade Chioma Grace Ifemeludike as a political leader, human rights advocate, and committed democrat, Comrade Sowore has consistently exercised his constitutional rights to free expression and civic engagement.
She stated “Any treatment that undermines his dignity, compromises his safety, or seeks to intimidate him for his political views raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria.”
The Deputy National chairperson said “the AAC South East maintains that the courts must remain impartial arbiters of justice and that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are entitled to fair treatment, due process, and the full protection of their fundamental rights under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Accordingly, “We therefore call on the relevant authorities to ensure that Comrade Sowore’s rights are fully respected, that he is treated with dignity while in custody, and that all judicial proceedings are conducted transparently and in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness.”
Ifemeludike stressed “The African Action Congress remains steadfast in its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the defence of every Nigerian’s freedom to speak, organize, and participate in the political process without fear of persecution.”
She concluded by reminding the ruling class “History has shown that the suppression of dissent does not strengthen democracy; rather, it weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.”
“We urge all democratic forces, civil society organizations, and lovers of justice to remain vigilant and continue to demand adherence to the rule of law.”
