THE 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi.
The call is coming amid a threat by the Obidient Movement to stage mass protests across the country “to challenge this gross abuse of power and neglect of the people.”
The Nigerian Police arrested the activist and human rights lawyer on defamation allegations on Tuesday, 3 December.
According to Atiku, Farotimi’s arrest and detention are a reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship in Nigeria.
Atiku said alleged defamation should not warrant police involvement. The police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions. The aim is clear: to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, thus paving the way for the establishment of a one-party state.
Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, in a statement where he called for the release of the lawyer, pointing out that his arrest and subsequent detention “raises serious questions about the misuse of power and the suppression of freedom of speech in Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Dr Tanko said “As a vocal advocate for human rights, Dele Farotimi has consistently spoken out against injustice and championed the rights of marginalized communities. His arrest appears to be a blatant attempt to silence him and intimidate others who dare to challenge the status quo.
“On this note, we unequivocally condemn this nefarious act of abuse of power and demand that the Nigerian Police respect Dele Farotimi’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in Section 40 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). We urge the Nigerian authorities to ensure his immediate and unconditional release, guaranteeing that his rights are protected throughout the process.
“Failure to release him immediately, we shall invoke our fundamental rights as citizens to engage in a series of public protests across the country to challenge this gross abuse of power and neglect of the people.
“Furthermore, we call on the international community to take note of this disturbing development and to stand in solidarity with Dele Farotimi and all those who are fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria. The protection of human rights and the promotion of free speech are essential to a healthy democracy, and we must collectively defend these principles.
“Finally, we are aware of the one-by-one arrest which is targeted towards the arrest of His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi for speaking truth to power; we want to assure you that we will resist any form of cruelty and flagrant abuse of power against Mr Peter Obi.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us; we must be freed of tyranny and impunity, and Democracy Must be protected.
“We stand in solidarity with Dele Farotimi and demand his immediate release”.
Eighteen-Eleven Media