The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday described the arrest of media magnate, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi as political persecution and mob trial by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government because of his association with PDP.
The party also alerted that it has been made aware that more notable PDP leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations pursuant to the plot by APC to cow and silence opposition in the country.
The party added that while it is not against the anti-corruption crusade, it is concerned that the crusade is outside the ambit of the law. It also demanded an open and public trial of those arrested.
Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP National Publicity Secretary, in a statement said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief Dokpesi before any fair hearing betrays the fact that he is a victim of political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his association with PDP.
“While PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.
“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being given the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court, a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.
“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their defence would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a military regime.
“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment to holding this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office.
“Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government tailored to decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria.”
