Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the violent attack on supporters of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a meeting of the ADC Coalition in Kaduna.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adeyanju described the incident as “a clear case of political intolerance,” alleging that pro-government thugs invaded the gathering while security operatives stood by.
He said several attendees were injured, while vehicles belonging to participants were vandalised during the assault.
Adeyanju criticised the Nigerian police for failing to act despite being present at the scene, insisting that their inaction highlighted a worrying rise in political intolerance across the country.
He stressed that democracy depends on freedom of choice and association, adding that citizens must be allowed to express dissenting views without fear of intimidation or violence.
The human rights lawyer said, “I condemn in its entirety the pro government sponsored hoodlum attack on El-Rufai’s ADC Coalition meeting in Kaduna which has led to injury of several of their members and damage of vehicles.
“Democracy is about the freedom of choice and association. People should be able to congregate and oppose the government in a democracy.
“Every citizen of Nigeria should be able to hold divergent political views, hold meetings or assemble with others to express their political views and oppose those in power without fear of attack by the government or its proxies.
“The sad part is that the attack on ElRufai’s supporters happened in the presence of police officers. This is political intolerance and it is completely unacceptable,” he added.
Na wa o how are the mighty falling. Hell Rufai who use to call the shot and demolishing dissenting voices house with the cranes and caterpillars and late president Buhari will be hailing him ‘The bulldozer’ is now the person being taunted . Law of Karma in operation. There must be freedom for the other parties Gov Sani. It’s unfair for strangling opposition. It’s not acceptable.