The immediate release of all young people detained during recent rallies around the state has been mandated by Aondona Dajoh, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
In response to growing public outrage over the arrest of individuals who took part in protests against the persistent insecurity in some areas of the state, the emergency plenary session called Tuesday’s decision.
Speaker Dajoh reiterated the legislature’s dedication to democratic values and the constitutional rights of all Benue people when speaking on the Assembly floor.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” he declared. “No one should be punished for exercising their voice in a democratic society.”
The Speaker’s pronouncement was met with applause from fellow lawmakers and hailed by civil rights advocates as a bold stance in defence of civil liberties.
Dajoh further called on security agencies to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators and ensure that future engagements with the public are carried out with professionalism and restraint.
The Assembly pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and to engage relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence.
