PDP Slams ‘Gestapo-Style Arrest’ Of Senator Abaribe

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed the Department of Security Services (DSS) over the ‘Gestapo-style arrest’ of the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Senator Abaribe, according to reports on Friday, was arrested by the DSS over a yet to be ascertained cause.

The Abia South federal lawmaker is among a few senators who do not hesitate to criticise President Muhammadu Buhari whenever it is deemed necessary.

Reacting however to his arrest earlier today, the PDP said the ‘‘Gestapo-style arrest of Abaribe has further confirmed the earlier alarm that the APC-led Federal Government has commenced a total clampdown on the opposition and perceived opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.’’

Speaking in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said: ‘‘The clampdown on Senator Abaribe is feared to be in furtherance of the moves to intimidate and emasculate members of the National Assembly who are known for their outspokenness against the constitutional violations and misrule of the APC administration.

‘‘The PDP notes that the Federal Government has given no reasons for the arrest and detention of Senator Abaribe, who has been kept incommunicado without access to his lawyers and associates.

‘‘The party also notes the apprehension of Nigerians following numerous alleged plots by the Federal Government to frame up other lawmakers, including Senate President Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu, as well as Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani.

‘‘Nigerians can now see that our dear nation is fast descending into a fascist state where constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech no longer obtains and citizens are marked, arrested and detained on the whims and caprices of those in power.

‘‘The PDP charges the DSS to immediately declare Senator Abaribe’s whereabouts, as well as the charge against him. Moreover, the laws of our nation are clear on the process of arrest and prosecution of any citizen and not recourse to clampdown and intimidation.’’