YAM demands Sowore’s immediate release, condemns alleged DSS actions
By Peter Oyedele, Abuja
A civil society group, the Youth Arise Movement (YAM), has called for the release of activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, while urging security agencies to respect democratic rights and due process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Mubarak Salisu, the group expressed concern over what it described as continued harassment and intimidation of the activist.
YAM said such actions, if true, raise concerns about respect for freedom of expression, political participation and civic engagement in the country.
The group alleged that security agencies are increasingly being used to intimidate citizens who criticise government policies, corruption, insecurity and economic hardship.
“The continued harassment, intimidation and alleged persecution of Omoyele Sowore represent a serious concern for democratic rights and civic freedoms,” the statement said.
YAM urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to ensure their operations comply strictly with constitutional provisions and respect for fundamental rights.
The group stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation, and called for those rights to be upheld.
It also called on civil society organisations, labour unions, youth groups, student bodies and professional associations to remain vigilant in defending democratic values and civic freedoms.
“An attack on one activist is an attack on the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” the group stated, while reaffirming its solidarity with Sowore and others it described as victims of political persecution.
YAM further pledged continued advocacy for justice, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights, insisting that no citizen should face intimidation for expressing dissenting views or demanding good governance.
The group urged relevant authorities to ensure respect for due process in all ongoing matters and called for restraint in handling politically sensitive cases.
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