The Progressive People’s Resolution (PPR), a key socio-political organisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has taken a swipe at the Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s media aide, Mr. Jackson Udom, over his recent remarks about a peaceful rally organised in solidarity with Akpabio in the ongoing sexual harrassment saga involving the Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan.
The group recalled that Udom’s angry remarks, describing the proposed rally which was abruptly cancelled on the orders of the Senate President as “satanic” and “devilish”, noting that such unprofessional utterance was the height of unprovoked attack against a pro – democracy group opposed to the name of the Senate President being dragged in the mud.
The group pointed out that such rhetoric undermines citizens’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are protected under the Nigerian Constitution.
Addressing journalists at the end of the emergency meeting in Uyo, the state capital, the publicity secretary, Comrade Adam Doka, appealed to the Senate President to call his media assistant to order.
He said: “By using such inflammatory language, Udom is not only disrespecting those individuals but also tarnishing the values of democracy itself.
“Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are rights that must be respected, and public figures should not use their positions to vilify citizens exercising those rights.”
He explained that the rally, which was organised by PPR to show solidarity with Senator Akpabio, was ultimately called off due to security concerns.
According to him, “The organisation emphasised that the original intent of the event was peaceful and supportive, a fact that Udom’s comments failed to acknowledge,” noting Udom’s remarks were a direct attack on the APC and antithetical to the good intentions of the rally purveyors.
“As a prominent body within the party, PPR has been involved in numerous initiatives across Nigeria to support the APC’s mission and values.
“By labeling PPR’s activities as ‘satanic,’ Udom, was indirectly casting aspersions on the party and its loyal supporters.
In the light of these issues, PPR is demanding Udom’s immediate removal from his position.
“If such divisive and undemocratic language continues to be tolerated, it will only damage the moral foundation of our political institutions. It is essential that swift action is taken to address this issue and to reaffirm that public office holders must be held accountable for their words and actions.”
