The Federal Government had, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), ordered the release of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd. ), and Sowore on December 24, 13 days after an editorial by The PUNCH criticised the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) In a statement on Saturday, Akinyode, said, “Public officers must now understand that democracy cannot be reduced to a fascist regime. Rule of law, free speech, peaceful protest and other essentialities of democracy must be diligently observed.”The lawyer added, “The global community is rallying round to fight against human rights abuses and Nigerian leaders cannot afford to paint themselves in a bad light. Mr Ben Ayade of Cross River State needs no further admonition to clear off the ridiculous criminal trial of Agba Jalingo, just as the government must halt the tremendously embarrassing abuses of human rights in the El-Zakzaky case too.”Copyright PUNCH.

Source: Punch December 29, 2019 00:33 UTC