“It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.” – Atiku Abubakar
As the nation has been upturned by the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, both candidates of the 2023 presidential election, have condemned the arrest, stating that it is undemocratic, and against the principles of the rule of law where freedom of speech is engraved.
Both made their statements through their twitter (X) handles, and called on the authorities to uphold justice.
Peter Obi in his statement slammed the Nigerian Police on their swiftness in indulging in civil cases and rushing to court, while they continue to struggle with the barrages of crime all over the country; pointing out that such development as this raises concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in the country.
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“It’s curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.
“Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation,” Peter Obi wrote.
Efforts at this time, Peter Obi argued, should be directed at tackling insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges; while pointing out that the strength of democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law.
Atiku on the other hand condemned the use of law enforcement, and cited the incident as a reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent. That the police’s intervention in the matter is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, “an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” he stated.
The former Vice president of Nigeria, also saw the development as an effort by the administration of Tinubu to establish a one-party system, and quicky reminded Tinubu’s administration that such repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.
“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. It is imperative to remind the Tinubu administration that these repeated acts of arrest stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy,” Atiku surmised.
Atiku also reiterated the use of courts if anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, and not law enforcements, which according to him is an abuse of power.
Recalling a scenario where he was defamed in 2019, he said he did not flex his muscles by involving the police, but took the case to court, where he is currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to his name and integrity.
“Freedom of speech and association are not privileges but constitutionally enshrined rights. If anyone feels wronged by defamatory words, they are free to seek redress in the courts, not at the hands of the state’s enforcers. It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police as a tool for personal vendettas.
“In 2019, I was defamed. I did not involve the Police to flex muscles and intimidate the defaming citizen, but I took the case to court where I am currently seeking reliefs for the injuries to my name and integrity,” he wrote.
He therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi.
