The Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide on Wednesday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and #RevolutionNow convener Omoyele Sowore.
The duo was released on Christmas Eve from detention following pressure from the United States of America.
The Youths group, in a statement by its President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Secretary General, Okwu Nnabuike, said the continued detention of the duo was negatively affecting the image of the country in the international community.
The group said: “We laud President Muhammadu Buhari for prevailing on the situation that would have damaged the international status of Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa and urge the Presidency to release all other Prisoners of conscience, especially Biafra agitators who have been granted bail but are still held for political reasons.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide watched keenly the vituprative rethorics of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Malami, who was credited with a statement last week that he has no such powers to order DSS to release Sowore.
“Unfortunately after USA Ambassador to Nigeria visited Buhari to deliver what is suspected to be a strong persuasive message USA Congress and Government to Federal Government, and the Attorney General suddenly remembered his powers and issued a directive that Sowore and Dasuki be released immediately”.
“The alleged USA Congress leaked letter being circulated in the media as the political reasons for the surprised release of Sowore and Dasuki are unhealthy international dimensions which should be checkmated immediately”
“Desperate politicians who are fanning embers of disunity and discord may cash in on this dangerous dimensions to always conspire with foreign Allies and Super powers to interfere unduly in our internal matters as a Sovereign Nation”, he warned
He urged the Presidency to always strive to respect rule of law and human rights of the people so as not to be boxed into a corner.
“Presidency should overhaul and preview her modus operandi on the issues of rule of law, respect for human rights and privileges and obey court orders, in order to avoid such alleged USA Congress leaked letter being circulated as the main reason for the sudden release of Sowore and Dasuki”
“Such situations makes mockery of our Democracy and FG should avoid a repeat in the future.”
The group also expressed worries over the invasion of the country home of Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said: “It is the handiwork of desperate politicians and fallout of the power tussles of the just Concluded Bayelsa State Governorship election which the state opposition party APC won against PDP.
“We are worried because the life of our beloved Daughter Dame Patience Jonathan is at stake and we call on security agents to fish out the perpetrators and sponsors of this devilish act.
“We warn those who suddenly became Jonathan’s detractors immediately after Bayelsa Governorship election not to resort to violence and vengeance, but should accept people’s verdicts as the political decisions of good people of Bayelsa State, any further attempt on the lives of Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Patience Jonathan may result to break down of law and order in the oil Rich State of Bayelsa.”
The group also called on President Buhari to beef up security around Jonathan’s Family.
