The immediate release of all young people detained during recent rallies throughout the state has been mandated by Aondona Dajoh, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
In reaction to growing public outrage over the arrest of individuals who took part in protests against the persistent insecurity in some areas of the state, the emergency plenary session called Tuesday’s decision.
Speaker Dajoh reiterated the legislature’s dedication to democratic values and the constitutional rights of all Benue people when speaking on the Assembly floor.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” he declared. “No one should be punished for exercising their voice in a democratic society.”
The Speaker’s pronouncement was met with applause from fellow lawmakers and hailed by civil rights advocates as a bold stance in defence of civil liberties.
Dajoh also urged security forces to uphold the rights of nonviolent protesters and make sure that any future interactions with the public are conducted professionally and sensibly.
In order to stop a repeat, the Assembly promised to look into the circumstances underlying the arrests and to involve the appropriate authorities.
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