The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has ordered the immediate release of all youths arrested during recent protests across the state.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session convened in response to mounting public criticism over the detention of citizens who participated in demonstrations against the ongoing insecurity in parts of the state.
Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Speaker Dajoh reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to democratic principles and the constitutional rights of all Benue citizens.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” he declared. “No one should be punished for exercising their voice in a democratic society.”
The Speaker’s pronouncement was met with applause from fellow lawmakers and hailed by civil rights advocates as a bold stance in defence of civil liberties.
Dajoh further called on security agencies to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators and ensure that future engagements with the public are carried out with professionalism and restraint.
The Assembly pledged to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and to engage relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence.
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