By Adeola Badru

A chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on the Federal Government to cease the arrest and intimidation of human rights activists.

Instead, he urged officials to focus on addressing the country’s struggling economy.

Ajadi’s remarks followed the Sunday morning arrest of Mr. Omoyele Sowore, the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election and a leading human rights activist, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Sowore was returning from a trip abroad when he was detained.

In addition, Ajadi in a statement made available to Vanguard on Sunday, referenced the recent arrest of Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ajayi quoted Sowore as reported that upon his arrival in Nigeria, his passport was confiscated by immigration officials, who informed him that they had orders to detain him.

He expressed that the incident reflects a broader crackdown on dissent by the current administration.

Ajadi said, later, Sowore announced via his official X account that he had been released from detention and that his passport had been returned to him.

The NNPP chieftain condemned the government’s actions, stating that the focus should be on the pressing economic challenges facing Nigerians.

He emphasized, “I implore the federal government to stop the arrest and intimidation of human rights activists and instead address the urgent task of improving the economy to enhance the lives of Nigerians.”

Ajadi warned that such arrests could tarnish the image of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He noted that Ajaero was detained while on his way to an official assignment in the United Kingdom, which caused him to miss important engagements.

The former NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun State in the 2023 elections, further criticised the current economic climate, mentioning the deregulation of petroleum prices that has led to exorbitant costs for consumers, with petrol prices now ranging from N1,000 to N1,200 up from N695 just a few months ago.

Ajadi lamented the rising costs of essential food items, stating that basic commodities like rice and gari are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

He pointed out that the government’s failure to implement the new minimum wage has left many workers struggling to make ends meet.

Ajadi expressed his concern about the depreciation of the Naira, which is now worth less compared to the currencies of neighboring countries.

He highlighted that the current economic situation has led to a significant decline in living standards for Nigerians, stating, “Anyone still calling Nigeria the giant of Africa is not facing reality.”

Ajadi urged the government to prioritise the well-being of its citizens and work toward a more sustainable economic future for the country.