By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Apoi Clan, has condemned the Nigeria police recent arrest and continued detention of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement, Comrade Osere Mecaiah, Chairman and Comrade Femi Egbukuyomi, Secretary of IYC Apoi Clan respectively, made the demand on Thursday.
“Sowore’s relentless advocacy for justice, equity, and good governance has made him a voice of the voiceless and a thorn in the side of oppressive structures.
“The current attempt to silence him through orchestrated charges and unlawful detention is a direct assault on the values of democracy and freedom of expression.
“As a people who have endured marginalization and systemic silencing for decades, we in the Apoi Clan understand too well the cost of repression.
“The Nigerian state must be reminded that democracy cannot thrive where dissent is criminalized and where the rights of citizens to speak truth to power are met with chains and cells.
“We therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore. We also call on all lovers of freedom, civil society organizations, and the international community to speak up and hold the Nigerian government accountable for this blatant abuse of state power.
“Should this undemocratic clampdown persist, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Apoi Clan, will not hesitate to mobilize alongside other progressive forces to resist the erosion of our collective rights.
“Enough is enough,” it stated.
