The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has demanded the unconditional release of former Special Adviser on Media to Kano State Governor, Salihu Tanko Yakasai from detention.
According to the victim’s father and Second Republic politician, Tanko Yakasai, the ex-governor’s aide is being held by the Department of State Services (DSS) over a Twitter comment.
The Herald had reported that Yakasai criticised the APC-led administration for failing to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
He stated this while reacting to the abduction of 317 schoolgirls in a school in Zamfara State on Friday.
“Clearly, we as APC government, at all levels, have failed Nigerians in the number one duty we were elected to do, which is to secure lives and properties.“Not a single day goes by without some sort of insecurity in this land. This is a shame! Deal with terrorists decisively or resign,” he tweeted.
Yakasai was sacked by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje over the critical comment.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, SERAP demanded the release of the father of three.
“We condemn the unlawful arrest of journalist Salihu Tanko Yakasai simply for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression. Nigerian authorities should stop shutting up critics.
“Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Mr Yakasai,” the civil society organisation (CSO) wrote.