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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), Ambassador Yerima Shettima, has strongly condemned the attack on human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, describing the incident as unacceptable and a threat to democratic values and the rule of law.
Shettima called on security agencies to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident, insisting that all those arrested in connection with the attack must be properly investigated and that anyone found culpable must be brought to justice.
He said the attack was condemnable, regardless of political affiliations or personal disagreements, stressing that no individual or group should be subjected to violence for expressing opinions, carrying out legitimate activities or holding dissenting views.
The Northern group convener, in a statement, maintained that freedom of expression, peaceful engagement and the right to personal safety are fundamental principles of democracy that must be protected at all times.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the attack must be fully established to ensure that justice is served and that similar incidents are not allowed to recur.
Shettima further urged the relevant security authorities to ensure that the investigation was not influenced by political considerations or external pressure, but guided strictly by facts, evidence and the principles of fairness.
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He emphasised that the arrest of suspects should not be treated as the conclusion of the matter, but rather as the beginning of a credible investigative process that would identify the perpetrators and establish the extent of their individual involvement.
He said: “Those found to have participated in the attack or aided and abetted the violence must face the full weight of the law. Equally, the rights of all suspects must be respected, and the investigation must follow due process.
“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where violence becomes an acceptable response to disagreement, criticism or the exercise of fundamental rights.”
The convener also called on political actors, public figures and their supporters to embrace tolerance, restraint and democratic engagement, warning against actions capable of escalating tensions and undermining peaceful coexistence.
He urged the security agencies to demonstrate professionalism and commitment to justice by ensuring that the matter was pursued to its logical conclusion.
Shettima reaffirmed the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative’s commitment to the protection of democratic principles, respect for human rights and the promotion of a society where every Nigerian can freely express an opinion without fear of intimidation or violence.
