“For daring to declare and mobilise for a Sit-at-Home protest, pro-Biafra activists have fallen victims of the Gen Buhari/Osinbajo administration. True to its threat, the Police has arrested many Biafra activists and it is threatening to arrest many more, ahead of the May 30 Sit-at-Home protest.” This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by eminent lawyer and activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

He pointed out that “The right to self determination is guaranteed under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. It is also recognised by the United Nations.

“Consequently, he said, no race, people or tribe, can be conquered or be forced to dwell in any entity against their wish.”

Adegboruwa also cited Article 20 of African Charter: “All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen.

“Colonised or oppressed peoples shall have the right to free themselves from the bonds of domination by resorting to any means recognised by the international community.

“All peoples shall have the right to the assistance of the State Parties to the present Charter in their liberation struggle against foreign domination, be it political, economic or cultural.”

The activist lawyer added: “The Vice President, as a teacher and practitioner of law, knows this very well and it is totally disheartening that free born citizens of Nigeria are being silenced, intimidated, harassed and railroaded into unlawful custody under his watch.

“I therefore urge the Vice-President to direct the release of all pro-Biafra activists, who have been arrested on account of a protest that is yet to even happen. How can anyone be arrested for freely expressing his views and opinions, in a democracy?

“And this is coming barely a day to May 29, for which the same government has declared a public holiday to celebrate democracy, in a country where citizens cannot enjoy their basic rights; Enough of civilian dictatorship.”

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