PDP Reps Caucus Accuses Buhari Of Breaching Democratic Ethos Over Yakassai’s Arrest

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus, House of Representatives, has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of breaching democratic ethos by granting the Department of State Services (DSS) the permission to arrest Tanko Salihi Yakassai, a former aide to Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje for criticising him.

This was contained in a statement signed by its leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers State), on Sunday.

He faulted the arrest, saying it was against the freedom of expression guaranteed by the 1999 constitution.

The PDP caucus recalled that Yakassai was arrested following his criticism of the authorities on the abduction of over 300 schoolgirls in Zamfara State recently.

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Part of the statement reads that; “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus, House of Representatives notes with utmost concern and dismay report of the arrest of Mr Tanko Salihi Yakassai, a former aide to Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State by agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) a few days ago.

“As a Caucus, we note with very serious concern, the continuous breach and denigration of democratic ethos and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended) by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Particularly in view of constitutionally guaranteed safeguards in Chapters IV thereof on freedom of speech, and also the provision of Section 14(1) of the said Constitution which provides that “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State base on the principles of democracy and social justice.

“Recall that only recently, some armed bandits abducted secondary school girls from a Zamfara State Government-owned secondary school in Jangebe, following which Mr Yakassai had criticized persons in authority, including President Muhammadu Buhari and reiterated our call for the resignation of the President over his failure to curb or effectively deal with the general state of insecurity across the country.

“Mr Yakassai had also lamented that the current administration has failed Nigerians at all levels which led to his removal as the Special Adviser on Media to the Kano State Governor”, Chida said.

Saluting “the stance, uncommon boldness, courage and statesmanship shown by Mr Yakassai and a few other Nigerians for standing firm to say the truth”, the caucus noted with utmost surprise and disappointment the rationale behind the arrest of Yakassai.