The Edo State chapter of the Councillors Forum of Nigeria has vehemently denounced the unlawful and Gestapo-style arrest of Hon Kingsley Osehon by the police .
The disclosure was made through press statement signed by the state chairman and secretary of the forum Hon. Benjamin Osas Iredia and Hon. Yamah Abdul
Calling for a thorough investigation into the disgraceful incident, the Forum also asked the IGP and the state government to intervene and order the immediate release of Hon Osehon
Hon Osehon represents Esan Ward 10 and also doubles as the Chief Whip of the Esan North East Council area.
The statement further said Hon Osehon was forcibly taken from his residence in front of his wife, aged mother and children.
The identities of those responsible for the arrest are yet to be disclosed, but the Forum is deeply bothered by the disrespectful and unacceptable manner his arrest was carried out.
It said, “We are deeply troubled by the rogue and Gestapo-style used to apprehend an innocent lawmaker carrying out his legislative duties. We believe the arrest was carried out on the orders of the opposition party in the state All Progressive Congress APC .
This is a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence those who oppose the party at the national level. We refuse to be cowed or silenced by such crude and outdated tactics.
“As lawmakers, we demand to be treated with respect and dignity. Coercive and Gestapo-style tactics have no place in a democratic society. We are willing to cooperate with the authorities, but we will not tolerate such flagrant disregard for the office of a lawmaker”.
It also urged the Edo State Government to promptly intervene and address what it regards as an “egregious violation” of the lawmaker’s office.
It further appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police to take immediate action to secure Hon Osehon’s release and end such harassment.
The Forum added that it is closely monitoring the situation and expects a swift and decisive response from the authorities to rectify the assault on the rights and dignity of its colleague.
