Human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has added his voice to that of others over the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS).
In his submission, berated President Muhammadu Buhari saying his government is allergic to criticisms.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, he said
“Dancing on the street saying we don’t want bad governance how does that amount to a treasonable felony?
“This government is allergic to plurality of voices, this government is allergic to criticism, this government is allergic to opinions. This government should know that Nigeria is a country with many colours.
“You cannot sample opinions. We cannot all sleep on the same bed. This government should learn to be tolerant.
“That allegation is most plural, most damning and most illogical from the government or security spokespersons.
“What is treason? For the definition of treason, you have to look at Sections 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 of the Criminal Code which applies in the Southern part of Nigeria.
“Then you must look at Section 410 of the Penal Code that applies in the Northern part of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Treason is the act of overthrowing the sovereign government of a state.”
However, it was previously reported that Ozekhome had recently accused Buhari of running a civilian dictatorship.
In his words: “Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution makes Nigeria a secular state. You can’t ban religion, a people’s belief.
“There is also freedom of thought, conscience and religion in Section 38, while Sections 40 and 41 allow for freedom of movement and association.
“The Constitution is ruthlessly being shredded by an intolerant and overbearing civilian dictatorship.”
He made this known while speaking on the move by the federal government to proscribe the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites.
