The former member of the House of Representatives representing Degema/Bonny Federal constituency, Rt. Hon Dr Sokonte Davies has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Hon. Farah Dagogo.
In his comments, Dr. Davies emphasised that seeking political office does not break any known law in the country.
The governor of Rivers State, according to Dr. Davies, is a dictator who has a history of persecuting political opponents.
“The steadily growing protests across members of the governor’s party are clear proof of how much people value their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly”.
Dr. Davies stated that the governor should uphold the laws and rights of citizens to express their freedom of choice as granted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria constitution of 1999, as amended.
“Instead of maintaining a safe space for people to express their opinions and aspirations, the governor has repeatedly criminalised peaceful protests and aspirations through his draconian tactics and high handedness”.
Dr. Davies believes the charges levelled against the federal lawmaker are essentially fear tactics intended to deter those who are sincerely pursuing their goals. They are arbitrary, unjustified, and political in nature.”
Dr. Davies has stated that the governor of Rivers State will not be able to suppress the opposition to his anti-people policies no matter how much intimidation he uses.
Dr Davies drew from the words Eugene Debs “In every age it has been the tyrant, the oppressor and the exploiter who has wrapped himself in the cloak of patriotism, or religion, or both to deceive and overawe the People”.
Rivers State, he claimed, has never been and will never be conquered.
Dr. Davies, who previously served as the Executive Director of Marine and Operations for the Nigerian Ports Authority, has also requested that the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to investigate the unlawful and unjustified arrest and detention of a serving Federal legislator.
Dr Davies further calls on all supporters of democracy and free expression to condemn the governor of Rivers State’s lawless and draconian behaviour.
Rt. Hon. Sokonte Hutton Davies, Ph.D.
