A human rights group, Beko Rights Klub, has called for the immediate release and reinstatement of Brig.-Gen. Enitan Ransome-Kuti and other soldiers sentenced to various jail terms by a military tribunal for mutiny.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group made the request during a protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Lagos on Wednesday.
The group, which chanted solidarity songs, blocked the entrance to the House until lawmakers persuaded them to be orderly.
The convener, Mr Debo Adeniran, said the protest was part of activities lined up to mark the 10th anniversary of the demise of renowned human rights activist, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti.
Adeniran said recent revelations in arms deal in the country attested to the fact that Enitan was not guilty of any act of mutiny.
“The Beko Rights Klub is utilising this occasion of the commemoration of Beko’s passage to call on the Nigerian government to grant Brigadier-General Enitan Ransome Kuti, son of our late hero, national pardon.
“Following his court martial after the Baga massacre by Boko Haram insurgents in 2015, Enitan remains in imprison till date, even though history has absolved him”, said Adeniran.
Adeniran, who is also the Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), said Enitan did not deserve any blame.
According to him, Enitan should be held shoulders high since his innocence has been proved by the ongoing Dasukigate.
“We are strongly convinced that the revelations reeled out from the arms procurement scandal and the Dasukigate confirm his innocence and patriotism.
“In fact, we believe, with those expositions, the actions of Enitan and others are justifiable, reasonable and dialectical”, he added.
The group urged the House to do all within its powers to work with the National Assembly in order to ensure the prompt release and reinstatement of Enitan and others by the federal government.
In his response, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Sanai Agunbiade, said the legislators shared the same sentiments with the group based on justice, fairness and rule of law.
Agunbiade said “the cause you are fighting for is humanitarian and just.
“This is a cause we also believe in and which every Nigerian who believes in what is right also believes in, therefore, we can assure you that your petition will be thoroughly looked into.”
Agunbiade, therefore, said the House would do the needful in ensuring that the right thing was done in what the group was clamouring for. (NAN)
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