The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has strongly condemned the arrest of Shafi’u Umar Tureta, a Special Assistant to Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by Nigeria Police operatives.
In a statement released by the state Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sannyinawal, the PDP alleged that Tureta was detained on the orders of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu. This action reportedly stemmed from Tureta sharing a viral video clip that showed the governor struggling to speak English, as well as footage of cash spraying at the governor’s wife’s birthday party.
Sahabi noted that the videos in question were likely recorded by cameramen from the governor’s own office or family and were initially leaked by the same individuals. He emphasized that sharing public videos of the governor’s engagements or family events, no matter how embarrassing, is not illegal under Nigerian law. It is the responsibility of the governor’s aides to ensure such materials do not reach the public.
The PDP cautioned the Sokoto State Government about its deteriorating human rights record, highlighting a pattern of harassment against dissenting voices. Sahabi urged Governor Aliyu to focus on improving the performance of his administration rather than suppressing freedom of expression.
The party demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Shafi’u Umar Tureta, calling for an end to the brutality inflicted by the Sokoto State Government on citizens exercising their constitutional right to criticize governance and misconduct by those in power.