The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has described the arrest of the National Secretary of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), Mr Chinedu Bosah, and others as unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional.
CUPP further described the arrest as a clear violation of their fundamental human rights and a radical exhibition of abuse of power, demanding for their immediate release.
According to the CUPP National Secretary, High Chief Peter Ameh, in a statement on Thursday, those arrested had embarked on a peaceful protest against the recent increase in the price of fuel, electricity tariff, cable tv subscription, amongst others.
The statement noted that Nigeria is a democratic state and not a tyranny, urging the authorities to act as such.
The statement reads, “This morning, a group of respectable and responsible citizens of this great nation took to the streets of Lagos State to exercise their constitutional right and freedom of speech as well as their fundamental right to peaceful protest by demonstrating their grievance against the recent increase in the price of fuel, electricity tariff, cable tv subscription, amongst others.
“However, instead of protecting and lending a hand of solidarity to these brave Nigerians who have boldly and courageously expressed their displeasure towards the inhuman policies inflicted on the masses by the government, the police has chosen to aid our leaders in creating a dictatorial atmosphere by arresting some of the said protesters.
“The report reaching us is that amongst those who were arrested are some executive members of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN).
“The arrest of these well-meaning and responsible Nigerians is unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, a clear violation of their fundamental rights and a radical exhibition of abuse of power and we hereby demand for their immediate release.
“Nigeria is a practicing democratic state not a tyranny. We must be seen do live and act as such.”
