The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) strongly condemns the barbaric abduction of Comrade Dele Farotimi, a renowned human rights lawyer, activist, champion of social justice and one of the voices from political wilderness of Nigeria
Regrettably, the arrest’s manner, especially the video clip depicting the Nigeria police’s unprofessional conduct, projects Nigeria as a country with substantial policing issues to the international community.
We are shocked to witness the Nigeria Police assaulting workers at the law firm, including the theft of phones and other office gadgets.
Farotimi Dele’s apprehension is seen as a national indignity to the Presidency led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an attempt to curtail freedom of speech and expression, and an encroachment upon fundamental human rights.
It is unfortunate that Pa Efe Babalola(SAN) is influenced by some powers who feel threatened by Farotimi Dele’s uncompromising stand on democratic principles in Nigeria.
We urge Pa Afe Babalola (SAN) not to compromise his integrity for fleeting political gains that may tarnish his reputation in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.
It is essential for those who feel threatened by Farotimi Dele to understand that his prominence and vocalness on matters concerning Nigerian democracy are crucial in curbing political excesses, power abuse, and deep-seated corruption.
In the absence of individuals like Farotimi Dele, the present Government might have been reduced to wearing tattered clothes and parading naked in public markets. It is evident that Farotimi Dele’s impartial, detribalistic and open-minded opposition to the present Government has ensured that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Government retains at least 2% sanity, preventing a complete descent into insanity.
We respectfully request that Pa Afe Babalola(SAN) withdraw the politically motivated petition, and advise him not to be exploited as a tool to stifle the voices of democracy in Nigeria, as exemplified by Comrade Farotimi Dele.
Comrade Farotimi Dele personifies the voice of democracy and advocates for the marginalized in Nigeria; victimizing or targeting him would antagonize the over 200 million Nigerians struggling with poverty, deprivation and frustration.
It is imperative that the Nigerian police understand the consequences of victimizing a detribalized Nigerian, such as Comrade Farotimi Dele, a senior advocate of the Nigerian masses (SANM).
The Ohanaeze Youths Council appeals to the Inspector General of Police and the instructor responsible for such cruel victimization to prioritize Nigeria’s recovery from its current challenges like a ship hit by tornado, lest they lose the loyalty and sympathy of the SouthEast Youths and Igbo youths in general towards the present Government.
Finally, as a matter of urgency, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and other relevant authorities should intervene to rescue Nigeria from further political turmoil by withdrawing the unfounded 16 count political charges against the People’s Comrade, Farotimi Dele and releasing him to the Nigerian populace.
Signed
Comrade Igboayaka O Igboayaka National President Ohanaeze Youth Council OYC
Thursday 5th December, 2024
