By Dwelleth Morountodun
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Peoples Congress (APC), Mr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Thursday said the recent
of Mr. Omoyele Sowore, by the Department of State Services (DSS) is a legal and timely action by our security services to protect our democracy and protect the country and its citizens against any action that threatens our collective peace and safety.
The party called on Nigerians to reject the messages of some individuals who have embarked on a campaign of calumny against the government and are calling for a forceful takeover of government, as according to him, they are cowards and enemies of Nigeria.
He said: “Predictably, some desperate individuals, sore losers, and their sympathisers are acting in vain trying to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians.
“The desperate attempt to politicise a legitimate action by the security agencies and futile effort to spread falsehood to create chaos in the country are clearly irresponsible actions.
“We call on Nigerians to look at the issue of Sowore’s arrest dispassionately devoid of the skewed narratives and sentiments being propagated by these individuals.”
He said from elections to governance and general conduct, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated its adherence and defence of the rule of law over politics and sundry interests, adding that the safety of Nigerians, the current government has been decisive in addressing any action that threatens the country’s unity, peace and our democracy, stressing that Sowore’s arrest is another testament to our unshaken resolve in this regard.
“The right to a civil protest is a given, however it should not be construed to mean the same thing as a revolution to forcibly take over government. This makes it necessary to put the act of a revolution in context, at least by the proclamation made by Sowore and his co-travelers. Revolution means to forcibly overthrow a government through rebellion, revolt, insurrection, mutiny, uprising, insurgency, coup.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic, we are a country with a democratically-elected government, governed by laws. Our laws are clear on Sowore’s actions. It is treason. No one should be allowed to get away with any attempt to destabilize this country.
“We reiterate that our laws are clear on all criminalities and Nigerians expect that the enforcement of relevant laws should apply to every Nigerian, irrespective of class and status. This government would not be found wanting where it is required to take decisive actions.” He said.