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EKITI YPP CONDEMNS DETENTION OF FARMERS OVER PROTEST
The Young Progressives Party (YPP), Ekiti State Chapter, has condemned the actions of the Ekiti State Government and its agents over the arrest and continued detention of young farmers who protested alleged short payments under a government-backed agricultural empowerment programme.
In a statement signed by the state chairman comrade Owoola Daramola and made available to press by the Public Relations Officer of the party, Mr. Adeyemi Adeparusi, the YPP described the development as disturbing, unjust, and unacceptable in a democratic society.
The party noted that the programme, known as YSJ or YSDA, was introduced as a youth empowerment initiative to encourage young people to embrace agriculture. However, when participants raised concerns over payment discrepancies and lack of transparency, they were allegedly met with arrests and criminal charges instead of dialogue and accountability.
The YPP stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right guaranteed under Nigerian law and affirmed by the Supreme Court, adding that criminalising youths for demanding transparency sends a dangerous signal to the people of Ekiti State.
The party further expressed concern that some of those detained are women and nursing mothers, currently held at the Afao Road Correctional Facility in Ado-Ekiti.
In addition, the Young Progressives Party called on the Ekiti State Government to urgently review all similar cases of detention involving individuals arrested under “Form K” and currently held in correctional facilities on the bill of the state government, describing the situation as a growing burden on public resources and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The YPP therefore urged the state government to withdraw unjust charges, ensure the release of affected youths, and adopt dialogue rather than repression in handling civil grievances.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to justice, youth empowerment, and people-centred governance in Ekiti State.
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