…declares ‘solidarity’ with incarcerated ‘protesters’
By Ime Silas
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the Red chamber of the National Assembly, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected what she described as criminalization of the youths for speaking up and protesting against insecurity within their environment.
It would be recalled that 52 students of the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma in Edo State were arrested and arraigned yesterday by the police on the order of the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo.
According to media reports, the students were remanded in prison for the next 14 (fourteen) days for protesting against Kidnapping in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Reacting, the Kogi Central Senator called for “dialogue” instead of “detention” and demanded immediate release of the detained 52 AAU Students.
In a statement posted on her verified social media handles, Sen Natasha said: “Our youths must not be criminalized for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare and future”.
The Kogi senator also urged the Edo State government to focus on addressing the concerns raised by the incarcerated protesting students, rather than suppressing them and declared her solidarity with the students.
“The government of Edo state must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings as well as other forms of insecurity and not suppressing discerning voices.
In solidarity,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Concerned Kogi Central for Nigeria”
