Nigerians have called for the release of Usman Sabo, who was arrested by police in Bauchi after criticizing Shira Local Government Area chairman Babangida Ishaq. Sabo, a member of the APC, was detained over Facebook posts accusing the PDP chairman of neglecting the local football team, delaying workers’ salaries, and trying to evict staff.
He stated, “In Shira local government, some workers are yet to receive their July salary. They are being owed allegedly because they don’t go to work. We are in the rainy season. Do you want people to abandon their farms?”
On the housing issue, he added, “It is wrong to give notice to workers occupying government houses… Those in active service have every right to occupy the houses.”
In another post, Sabo accused the local government of refusing to fund the football team’s travel, saying, “God has afflicted us with a leader who does not do what is right.”
Lawyer Mukhtar Muhammad condemned the arrest as oppressive, saying the police should protect citizens, not serve as “attack dogs for corrupt leaders.”
He added, “This is nothing but oppression, plain and simple. As long as shameless politicians keep using the police as their personal weapon against anyone who dares to speak the truth, things will never change in this country.”
In response, Chairman Ishaq denied the allegations, saying Sabo was arrested for spreading falsehoods to damage his reputation.
He also stated that he personally donated N500,000 and arranged transport for the football team, but they were unable to attend the tournament.
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