Sowore’s Arrest: This Government Is Allergic To Plurality Of Voices, Criticism – Ozekhome SAN

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr
Mike Ozekhome, has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari’s
administration of not being tolerant to criticism.

Ozekhome, who appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s
Sunday Politics, said the current government is “allergic to
plurality of voices and criticism”.

He said: “Dancing on the street saying we don’t want bad
governance how does that amount to treason, unreasonable
felony?

“This government is allergic to plurality of voices, this
government is allergic to criticism, this government is allergic to
opinions. This government should know that Nigeria is a country
with many colours.

“You cannot sample opinions. We cannot all sleep on the same
bed. This government should learn to be tolerant,” he said.

His comment comes in the wake of the arrest of former
Presidential Aspirant of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the
2019 general elections, Omoyele Sowore by the Department of State
Service, an act condemned by notable Nigerians including former
Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Following Sowore’s arrest, the Nigeria Police described the
planned protests by some individuals as ‘treasonable felony and
acts of terrorism’, vowing resist any act that can lead to a breach
of law and order in the country.

But reacting to the allegation, Ozekhome disagreed with the
government and security agencies, describing the allegations as
“most illogical and damning.”

“That allegation is most plural, most damning and most illogical
from the government or security spokespersons.

“What is treason? For the definition of treason, you have to
look at Sections 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 of the Criminal Code
which applies in the Southern part of Nigeria.

“Then you must look at Section 410 of the Penal Code that
applies in the Northern part of Nigeria including the Federal
Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Treason is the act of overthrowing
the sovereign government of a state,” he stated.

Earlier, a foremost Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana,
condemned the arrest, calling on the Federal Government to call the
security agencies to order.

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