PDP Demands Open Trial For Dokpesi

The Peoples Democratic Party has described the arrest of African Independent Television(AIT) Chairman, Chief Raymond Dokpesi as political persecution and attempt to torture opposition elements in the country.

The party condemned the arrest and also said is aware of the plan to arrest more notable member of their party. He said the party demands an open and public trial of Dokpesi and of all those arrested.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh said:
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemns in its entirety, the arrest
of media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi and other opposition elements
by the APC-led Federal Government.

“The party also alerted that it has been made aware that more notable PDP
leaders have similarly been listed for arrest over unproven allegations
pursuant to the plot by the APC to cow and silence opposition in the
country.

“PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement on
Tuesday said the military style of pronouncement of guilt on Chief
Dokpesi before any fair hearing, betrays the fact that he is a victim of
political persecution and mob trial by the APC government because of his
association with the PDP.

“While the PDP is not against the war against corruption, we insist that
the crusade must be carried out within the limits of the law and not as
a guise to persecute and torture opposition elements in the country.

“Our fear is that with the pronouncement of guilt even without being
giving the opportunity within his rights as a citizen to state his own
side of the story, the President Buhari-led government is sidestepping
the laws to ensure that Chief Dokpesi does not get justice in the court,
a plot which they want to extend to other PDP leaders.

“The PDP therefore demands an open and public trial of all those
arrested so that all issues and charges against them as well as their
defence therein would also be in the public domain. We demand a proper
investigation and lawful prosecution instead of the reprehensible resort
to outright political persecution, which can only have a place in a
military regime.

“We also note that this development may not be unconnected with the
planned onslaught against the media, following its commitment in holding
this dictatorial regime accountable since it took office.

“Finally, we call on the international community and rights bodies
worldwide to note the growing impunity and gross violation of human
rights by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government tailored to
decimate the opposition and cow the media in Nigeria.

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