United Nigerians Against Crime (UNAC) is appalled by the recent arrest, arraignment, and subsequent remand of Comrade Austin Okai in Kabba prison. We firmly condemn this flagrant disregard for justice and demand the immediate release of Mr. Okai, who is being unjustly targeted for exercising his right to criticize the government of the day.
The arrest of Austin Okai marks a troubling trend of intimidation and harassment against citizens of Kogi State, particularly those from the Igala extraction. UNAC warns the Kogi State Government that such actions will not be tolerated and highlight the importance of protecting the rights of all citizens to express dissenting opinions without fear of retribution.
We call upon federal security agencies to uphold their mandate and refrain from being manipulated by state governments for political purposes. The alarming pattern of using security forces to silence critics only deepens the crisis of confidence in democratic governance in Nigeria.
UNAC emphasizes that a government’s legitimacy comes from its ability to listen to and engage with its constituents, not through oppression. We urge the Kogi State Government to exercise caution before allowing the breakdown of law and order in a bid to suppress dissenting voices.
Dr. Abdullahi Y. Bayawo, who contested for the governorship of Kogi State in the last election and currently serves as the National Chairman of UNAC, insists on the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Austin Okai.
We urge all Nigerians to stand in solidarity against these unjust practices and protect our democratic values. The time for action is now. Free Austin Okai!
