By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
The Action Congress of Nigeria in Bayelsa State Tuesday flayed the arrest and arraignment of 22 unemployed protesting graduates by the state government.
In a statement in Yenagoa signed by its Public Relations Officer, Christopher Abariowei, the party described as unfounded claims by the government that the protest was illegal and politically motivated.
It described the action of the government as undemocratic and unjustifiable, adding that the PDP-led government had shown intolerance and inability to address the socio-economic problems of the people.
The Dickson administration the ACN, according to the ACN had infringed on the fundamental human rights of the jobless graduates to protest government’s neglect.
The arrest of the peaceful protesters it said had contradicted government’s claims that it was open to constructive criticism.
It, therefore, called for the unconditional release of the detained protesters and immediate withdrawal of the case in court.
The ACN said, “As a government, the ability to address and dialogue on critical issues such as unemployment, which borders on the growth, stability and development of the state, should be approached with caution and not through the instrumentality of force and intimidation with law court.
“ACN demands the withdrawal of the case in court and the unconditional release of the unemployed youths.
“The present administration should be a responsible government that will be sensitive to the plight of the people and not to cow them.”
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