By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The Ekiti State former governor, Ayodele Fayose, has called for the immediate release of Tanko Salihu Yakasai, the special adviser on Media to Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State.
Yakasai, who has been sacked by the Kano State governor, was arrested by the government’s security agency for criticising the Muhammadu Buhari administration on high level insecurity in Nigeria.
Fayose described his arrest as “another sad commentary on how low the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari has gone.”
The former governor, who also commended Salihu Yakasai for being courageous to speak the truth, said, “This singular action of his has made him the latest hero of our democracy, and in turn confirmed that there is hope for a united Nigeria.”
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Fayose stated that it was sad that Nigerians could not criticise the same President Buhari, who did not only speak against his predecessors, but also led protests.
His words: “I join all well-meaning Nigerians to demand for the immediate release of Salihu Yakasai. He did not commit any offence to warrant being taken into custody.
“That he was arrested like a common criminal by the DSS just because he spoke his mind against a President that is more like the servant of the people is another sad commentary on how low this APC government of Buhari has gone.
“Sad that under this government, our security men are only efficient in persecuting whoever speaks against the President. Sad too that Nigerians can’t criticise the same President who did not only speak against his predecessors, but also led protests.”
Commending Yakasai, Fayose said, “I commend the courage of Salihu Yakasai, the sacked Gov Ganduje’s aide for being able to speak truth to power.
“This singular action of his has made him the latest hero of our democracy, and in turn confirmed that there is hope for a united Nigeria.
“Nothing can be more honourable than what he has done by standing tall amidst darkness and selfishness of leadership.
“His sack is the beginning of his rise politically. I sincerely congratulate him and indeed the ordinary Nigerians seeking good governance and leadership. On #BuhariMustResign we stand.”