Threat To Akerele’s Life: Edo Pro-Democracy Groups Send Strong Message To Gov Obaseki

BY JAMES AFE, BENIN – Following the harassment and threat to the life of Comrade Francis Taiwo Akerele, former Chief of Staff (CoS) to Governor Godwin Obaseki, a Coalition of several pro-democracy groups in Edo State has castigated the gestapo manner with which the Governor deployed his personal Department of State Security (DSS) and Police aides attached to State Government House to harass Akerele and conduct an illegal search on his residence for daring to resign from office.

Acting under the aegis of Edo Pro-Democracy Groups, the Coalition said its members are committed to pursuing the principles of democracy, accountability, openness and responsible leadership in government, stressing that they would not stay aloof watching the abuse of due process and Democratic tenets in the state.

The Coalition therefore condemned in totality the governor’s security personnel’s action, noting that the illegal search on the former CoS’ residence was without any letter of authorization from either the Headquarters of the DSS or the Nigerian Police Force.

The Coalition said as defenders of the rights of the oppressed in society, it is seriously saddened just as it is clear to all and sundry that the said Edo Government House security personnel, acting in cohort with the State Government House thugs, were on an illegal operation on the orders of Governor Obaseki.

At a press conference in Benin attended by a select group of journalists, the Coalition threatened to sue Gkvernor Obaseki if the state sponsored harassment of his former Chief of Staff, Comrade Akerele continues.

Led by Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Barrister Felix Isere, the Coalition said it received news of Comrade Akerele’s resignation from the Obaseki’s administration on Friday, April 24, 2020 and reviewed the reasons adduced for the said action which was based on principle relating to the governance and administration of Edo State.

It commended Akerele for “his doggedness and commitment to the struggle for a just and egalitarian society and for not betraying the dictates of his conscience while in government and especially his courage for resigning his position as Chief of Staff when he felt unable to discharge his responsibilities as he envisaged.”

The Coalition noted that Nigerian office holders often lack the courage to resign from public office even when their roles are in conflict with their principles.

The coalition further said; “It is therefore clear to all and sundry that the said security personnel acting in cahoots with Edo State government house thugs were on an illegal operation on the orders of Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

“During the illegal search, several personal documents including his children’s certificates were carted away and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Jasper Olowojoba was harassed.  

“This incident highlights the hostile environment for human rights defenders and others in Edo State to exercise their freedom of expression.

“These violations are inconsistent with Nigeria’s international obligations, including those under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, and other International human rights charters to which Nigeria is a signatory. 

“These include obligations to respect and protect citizen’s fundamental rights to the freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression. These fundamental freedoms are also guaranteed in Nigeria’s Constitution.

“These acts are designed to break Comrade Akerele’s spirit, impugn on his reputation, embarrass and ridicule him and possibly frame him up for obeying the dictates of his conscience.

“The Coalition calls on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Amnesty International, the European Union, the American government and all international human rights organizations to call Mr. Obaseki to order and to advice him to allow all stakeholders to hold and express independent opinions in his state.

“The Coalition recalls the sacrifices of members of the National Democratic (NADECO) and other pro democracy groups in birthing our current democracy and would not fold its arms and allow certain political leaders truncate our march to true democracy and freedom.

“We demand an end to the harassment and intimidation of Comrade Francis Taiwo Akerele.

“No matter the level of intimidation, the truth remains that the Obaseki administration has the duty to protect the lives and property of Edo people. 

“The Coalition hereby notifies the Edo State Governor that should the harassment and intimation of Comrade Akerele continue, we would be left with no option than to take legal actions to challenge the legality of any further government’s illegal actions as it relates to our comrade.

“We shall also be sending a strong-worded petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and International human Rights bodies,” the coalition said.