The 9News Nigeria Bureau Chief, South-South, and human rights advocate, Amb Emmalex David Atseyinku has criticised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State over the alleged lack of adequate support for two young party supporters currently in remand custody.
Atseyinku said the reported arrest and detention of the two men following an ADC political gathering in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area, could discourage young Nigerians from actively participating in partisan politics if party members are left to face legal challenges without sufficient institutional support.
According to him, political parties should demonstrate commitment to their members not only during rallies, meetings and media engagements, but also when supporters encounter difficulties arising from their political activities.
“I feel for whoever is thinking of risking his or her life to promote or support the ADC, especially in Rivers State. I cannot defend what will not defend me,” he said.
The journalist questioned what he described as a gap between the party’s media activities and the alleged assistance provided to the two supporters now in custody.
He also argued that political visibility should be accompanied by practical support for members facing legal challenges.
“I weep for the innocent young men who were arrested in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area and have been remanded in prison custody because, according to the information available to me, they did not receive proper legal representation from the ADC,” Atseyinku stated.
He called on the ADC Rivers State leadership to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests and disclose what legal or welfare assistance has been provided to the affected supporters.
Atseyinku further urged political leaders to prioritise the welfare and protection of their members, particularly young supporters who play significant roles in political mobilisation.
However, the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the ongoing legal proceedings and the extent of support allegedly provided by the ADC could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The claims therefore remain the position and allegations of the journalist, pending an official response or clarification from the ADC Rivers State leadership.
