Youths under Mumuye Cultural Development Association on Monday gathered in their numbers in the state capital to protest the sentencing of former governor Jolly Nyame.
The former governor was jailed 14 years for misappropriating state funds to the tune of #1.64 billion while in office penultimate week
The protestants march from Mile 6 Junction through major streets in Jalingo carrying placards with various inscriptions like ‘Free Nyame; Temper Justice With Mercy’, ‘We Don’t Want Selective Justice’, among others, caused heavy traffic gridlock on the highway.
The peaceful protest was, however, terminated at the residence of Nyame in Jalingo where Anthony Vowaty, the national president of the socio-cultural group, read an address to the protesters.
According to Vowaty, the reason behind the peaceful protest was to show solidarity with a kinsman who is currently in detention.
“We are not fighting the government but we are out to march for solidarity to call on government to be just in its fight against corruption.
“Nyame is our political leader in Taraba and we are ready to take instruction from him, even if he is in the prison,” Vowaty stated.
The group was, however, quick to express optimism that an appeal process would reverse the judgment of the Abuja High Court that led to the jailing of Nyame without an option of fine.
“We still believe that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man and we believe the Court of Appeal will free him,” Vowaty stated.
