The Arewa Youth Consultative Discussion board (AYCF) has opposed makes an attempt to suppress the suitable of residents to criticise the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The AYCF said this whereas responding to an announcement from the Coalition of North-East Elders Discussion board (CNEF), which rejected Ndume’s latest criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
Ndume lately alleged that the present administration consists of “kakistocrats” and “kleptocrats,” suggesting that the federal government is being led by the least competent and most corrupt people primarily centered on embezzling assets, a declare that was frowned upon by CNEF.
Reacting, president normal of AYCF, Yerima Shettima, accused the CNEF of making an attempt to suppress dissent and freedom of expression, echoing the foundational democratic values enshrined in each nationwide and worldwide covenants.
The AYCF stated whereas these remarks signify Ndume’s private opinions, his proper to specific them is protected and must be revered.
“The assault from CNEF towards Senator Ndume is vindictive, unwarranted, and an unacceptable affront to democratic ideas of freedom and honest play,” said Shettima, who added that “It’s a brutal encroachment on his proper to freedom of expression, safeguarded by numerous worldwide treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.”
The AYCF additionally voiced issues over rising speculations that Senator Ndume could be relieved of his place as Chief Whip of the Senate. They warned that any additional makes an attempt to breach his basic proper to carry differing views will likely be vigorously resisted and vehemently challenged.
“Any authorities that can’t be criticized is a legal responsibility,” said Shettima, urging the North-East elders to desist from their indiscriminate assaults on Senator Ndume, whom they known as an eminent hero of the Northern youth.
Whereas the AYCF clarified that it doesn’t presently favor protests, it burdened that Ndume’s observations relating to the present harsh realities confronted by Nigerians are apt and well timed.
They urged the federal government to heed these observations for the advantage of all residents and warned the North-East elders towards manipulating and politicising safety points for their very own acquire.
“The observations raised by Senator Ndume must be heeded by the federal government, as they mirror the collective issues of many Nigerians going through hardships,” the assertion concluded.
The AYCF stated it remained dedicated to upholding democratic values and the suitable to freedom of expression, and name on all stakeholders to undertake a extra tolerant and constructive strategy to differing viewpoints.
