House of Representatives member for General East/Gwer West constituency Asema Achado has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the alleged ‘unlawful closure’ of his business premises.

In a press briefing in Makurdi on Thursday, the lawmaker told journalists that the closure of his business, City Bay Park by the Benue state government was a witch hunt and a violation of his fundamental Human Rights.

“The arbitrary and heavy-handed sealing of these business premises by the state government is executed without authorization from any competent court of law empowered to issue such an order,” he said.

“This action constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of democracy, the fundamental rights of the people operating therein, reflecting the highest degree of abuse of power, suppression, and persecution by the State.

 

“I make bold to state unequivocally that the action of the State Government is unlawful, uncivilised, barbaric, primitive, uncultured, ill-advised and not driven by public interest.”

 

He lamented that the abrupt closure of the business premises has caused losses to business owners within the complex, especially those who deal in perishable goods.

 

The lawmaker asked the “people of Benue State to advise Governor Alia to cease actions detrimental to the socio-economic progress of the state.”

 

He urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Police in Benue State are not used as tools of oppression and intimidation but for the maintenance of law and order.

The politician asked the “National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to caution Governor Alia on his onslaught against APC Leaders in Benue State.”

Efforts by The Guardian to get the Benue state government’s side of the story proved futile as calls and messages to the commissioner of information Mathew Abo went unanswered.