Following the arrest and detention of the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has called on the present government to respect the rule of law and not trample on the rights of citizens in the cause of its anti-graft crusade.

Speaking through his Special Adviser, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu reaffirmed the PDP support for a genuine anti-graft crusade, but decried a situation where such crusade becomes a calculated attempt to decimate and silence the opposition, while members of the ruling party with serious corruption allegations go about their businesses.

Expressing fear that the country is fast descending into authoritarianism, the Deputy Senate President said the continued detention of Metuh was an attempt to gag the opposition and therefore unhealthy for democracy.

He said, “An anti-graft trap that catches only members of the opposition and those with axe to grind with the government of the day is compromised.”

Ekweremadu further stated that there will be no respect for the rule of law if people are held in detention against court ruling.