APC said the arrest of Sowore should be seen as a “legal and timely action” to protect the country against threats to peace and safety.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has justified the arrest of Omoyele Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow protest, describing those in collaboration with the activist as cowards and enemies of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Thursday, 8 August 2019, APC said the arrest of Sowore should be seen as a “legal and timely action” to protect the country against threats to peace and safety.
The party noted that the call for #RevolutionNow was a treasonable offence for which no government anywhere in the world would fold its hands and declare as a non-issue.
“We call on Nigerians to look at the issue of Sowore’s arrest dispassionately devoid of the skewed narratives and sentiments being propagated by these individuals. Sowore arrived the country recently and openly threatened a revolution against a constitutionally recognised and legitimate government,” the statement reads.
“Should the DSS and other security services have dismissed the declaration and the underlying implications as a non- issue? No intelligence/security agency worth its calling takes issues like this with levity.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic, we are a country with a democratically-elected government, governed by laws. Our laws are clear on Sowore’s actions. It is treason. No one should be allowed to get away with any attempt to destabilize this country.”
The party added that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would not be found wanting “where it is required to take decisive actions”, saying enforcement of relevant laws should apply to every Nigerian irrespective of status.
“From elections to governance and general conduct, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has demonstrated its adherence and defence of the rule of law over politics and sundry interests,” APC said.
“Again, on the safety of Nigerians, the current government has been decisive in addressing any action that threatens the country’s unity, peace, and our democracy. Sowore’s arrest is another testament to our unshaken resolve in this regard.
“Finally, the effects of instability being championed by these cowards and enemies of Nigeria are disastrous. The same proponents of a forceful takeover will be the first to flee the country with their loved ones while the ordinary Nigerian suffers the disastrous consequences.”
