Labour Party (LP) has called for arrest and prosecution of Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu Ojo, for allegedly coercing traders to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who happens to be her father.
A viral video at the weekend showed shops of traders being shut for reportedly failing to attend a women’s rally for Tinubu.
The affected sellers claimed being forced to pay N5,000 as fine.
A statement by LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abayomi Oluwafemi Arabambi, said the action was inconsistent with tenets of democracy.
According to him, every Nigerian is entitled to associate with any political party of his or her choice.
He stressed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guaranteed freedom of association, wondering when it became an offence for Nigerians to make personal political decision.
Arabambi cited Section 40 of the Constitution which reads: “Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any association, for the protection of his interests.”
He said the call became imperative following the recurring attacks on party members and offices in parts of Lagos.
The spokesman claimed that the state police command had refused to act on its appeal to create an enabling environment for all politicians irrespective of party affiliations.
The opposition party also drew attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to alleged assault of its members in Delta State, urging him to urgently rein in the development.
It advised faithful to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
