Ayodele Akele, A pro-democracy campaigner, has called for the immediate and unconditional drop of the charge of treason filed against the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Ralph Uwazurike.
Speaking at an event in Lagos to celebrate the President of the Campaign for Democracy, Joe Okei-Odumakin, who was recently honoured by the United States Government with the International Women of Courage Awards, Mr. Akele said “it is a mockery of democracy and freedom” for Mr. Uwazurike and other MASSOB members to be tried for treason while members of violent insurgents, Boko Haram, responsible for killing thousands of innocent Nigerians, are being begged to receive a government proposed amnesty.
Mr. Akele called on Mrs. Okei-Odumakin and other members of the civil liberty organisations to “head back to the trenches” in protests until the charges against Mr. Uwazurike is dropped by the government.
A woman of courage
Meanwhile, Mrs. Okei-Odumakin was showered with praises and commended by attendees of the event for her relentlessness and believe in the struggle against oppression, as well as military and civilian tyranny.
The well-attended event kicked off with a documentary, titled “A Life of Struggle” that chronicled Mrs. Okei-Odumakin’s struggles for civil liberty and democracy in the face of brutal military repression. The documentary showed that Mrs. Okei-Odumakin was arrested and detained 17 times, yet she did not relent in her fights against agents of oppression.
Describing Mrs. Okei-Odumakin, the compere of the event, ace broadcaster, Soni Irhabor, said she is an epitome of “true struggle that is getting true global recognition.”
The Chairman of the event, former military administrator of Lagos State, Ndubisi Kanu, said Mrs. Okei-Odumankin is a dedicated campaigner and that “courage runs through her veins”.
A Lagos-based Lawyer, Wahab Shittu, said by the virtue of being honoured by the United States Government, Mrs. Okei-Odumakin “has done every Nigerian very proud.” He said her achievement is a wakeup call for every Nigerian.
The Consular General of the United States, Jeffery Hawkins, thanked her for her steadfastness and her fight against military as well as civilian oppression in the country. He also assured the audience of the continued support of the U.S. government in the entrenchment of human rights in the country. While condemning “the senseless act of terror” in the country, Mr Hawkins called on the Nigerian military to respect human rights.
“The freedom of the press is crucial. Nigerian vibrant media should be allowed to operate freely,” he said.
At the event tagged, “Celebrating Woman of Courage,” the Lagos State Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Wale Ahmed; while the President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYC), Yerima Shettima, also attended.
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