December 21, (THEWILL) – Over one thousand women in Ogoja, Cross River State, have protested the arrest of their children by the State Police Command.
The women carried various placards and insisted that the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, must stop the arrest of their children and release those already detained unconditionally.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Grace Abang said they are not out for any political party, but to request the release of their children.
“We have done everything for Ayade and he has failed us only to return and arrest our children.
“If Ayade is born of a woman, he should release our children or come and arrest all of us”, she said.
Some of the placards read: “Ayade Bring back our Children”, “Billboard no d win Election”
“Wonor Remember the road that will lead you home”, “Ayade respect our human rights”
“Election no be war”, “We say no to Police brutality”, “Ayade must release our children…” Etc.
Venatius Ikem, the state chairman of the PDP, earlier accused the APC of stimulating a crisis in the state with the hope of clamping down on their supporters.
He said the state governor, Professor Ben Ayade, is desperate to return to the Senate and is trying to use security personnel to intimidate voters.
“The APC boys have been simulating a crisis in the hope of using the Police to clamp down on our supporters, especially in the northern senatorial district.
“Governor Ayade has lost all semblance of credibility amongst our people, but is desperate to return to the Senate.
“So we know his game plan depends entirely on his ability to utilise state security to intimidate voters. How that will work for him, remains to be seen.
“I can assure you that we will use all means at our disposal to frustrate such nefarious plans”, he said.
The political atmosphere in the northern part of the state has been heating up, as the incumbent senator representing the area in the national assembly, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe of the PDP, prepares to square up with the state governor, Professor Ayade, for the coveted seat.
Over one million people across party lines earlier this year undertook a Solidarity walk in support of the reelection of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
