…Accuses State Govt of Intimidation
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the remand of its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Olusegun Olushola Adewara, popularly known as Sholyment, describing the move as an attempt by the state government to silence opposition voices.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Mrashir Ashura, the PDP alleged that the arraignment of its spokesperson before Justice T.S Umar-led Kwara State High Court on a two-count charge was politically motivated and targeted at suppressing criticism against the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The opposition party said it was unfortunate that the government, instead of focusing on the worsening insecurity and hardship facing residents of the state, was allegedly deploying state resources to intimidate critics and opposition members.
According to the statement, “It is condemnable and unacceptable that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose popularity continues to decline across the state due to his administration’s inability to deliver good governance, has resorted to using the instruments of government to victimise opposition members and suppress dissenting voices.”
The PDP further accused the administration of failing to address key challenges confronting the state, including insecurity, unemployment, poverty and decaying infrastructure.
The party maintained that democracy could only thrive in an atmosphere where citizens and opposition figures are free to express their opinions without fear of intimidation or political persecution.
Ashura said the PDP remained committed to defending democratic values and the constitutional rights of citizens, insisting that no amount of harassment would stop the opposition from holding the government accountable.
The statement also called on Governor AbdulRazaq to “stop the intimidation of opposition” and instead explain to Kwarans why insecurity has continued to escalate despite what the party described as huge allocations and public resources available to the administration.
The party also urged security agencies, the judiciary and other relevant institutions to remain professional and avoid being used for political oppression in the state.
