By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi has condenmed in totality the arrest of Human rights lawyer and advocate Comrade Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force on the allegation of defamation.
Obi who made his views known in his social media platform, X handle, said the action of the Police is a gross misuse of Police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
Obi’s statement read in parts: “I just learned of the arrest of a respected human rights lawyer and advocate, over an allegation of defamation.
This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority.
It is also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency.
The Nigeria Police Force exists to protect the rights of citizens, not to suppress them.
Defamation, by its nature, is a civil matter that should be addressed in court through due legal process in line with the dictates of the rule of law in a democracy.
As a private citizen, former governor, and even today, I am frequently defamed, insulted, and lied about and against.
Yet, I have never resorted to using the Nigerian police or filing reports to silence others.
Those who feel otherwise should seek redress through the proper legal channels, not by weaponizing the Police or abusing their access to authority or state power.
The resort to Police action, in this case, reeks of abuse of power and raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police as a civil force.
I hereby request that Dele Farotimi should be released immediately and unconditionally.
The Police must recognize that their allegiance is to the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power. A new more Just and fair Nigeria is possible!
-PO”.
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