The National Rescue Movement (NRM), on Wednesday, expressed outrage over the unwarranted circumstances leading to the arrest of chieftain, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich Egberipapa, at his residence in Usokun, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It recalled that the arrest occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, while the community was still asleep.
NRM spokesman, Sola Afuye, in a statement, said that the party expressed fear and concern over the mistreatment of their fellow party member and highlighted that his whereabouts remain unknown.
NRM, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and request the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and all security agencies to disclose the location of Egberipapa.
Afuye said: “We have resolved to be civil in approaching this ugly situation and also not to politicize the matter at hand, not even when our country is in dear need of peace in resolving the economic downturn.
“What matters most to us is the immediate release of Chief Sobomabo Jackrich Egberipapa to reunite with his family.
“We hope this will not be one of the human rights abuse cases by our security outfits that are saddled with the responsibility to protect the life and properties of every citizen irrespective of the circumstances of their birth.
“As law abiding political party and one with the ideology of peace and respect for the rule of law, we believe that standard operational procedure that is in tandem with the rules of engagement should be respected at all times.
“It’s high time for President Tinubu to use the instruments of his good offices to caution the anti-democratic elements in our country. Indeed, the President should always remember that respecting the rule of law is one of his campaign promises. The time to act is now.”
NRM urged its party members to remain calm, expressing faith in the law enforcement agencies and the government to act in accordance with justice, equity, and fairness for all Nigerian citizens.
They urge all actions to be conducted in alignment with the Constitution and the nation’s laws, particularly with regard to human rights.
