Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer and advocate Dele Farotimi over allegations of defamation.
Obi described the incident as a gross misuse of police power and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and justice system.
In a statement shared on Tuesday, Obi expressed concern over the growing trend of silencing dissenting voices. “This action represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority but also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who values freedom of expression and accountability,” he said.
Obi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force exists to safeguard citizens’ rights, not suppress them. He highlighted that defamation is a civil matter that should be resolved through legal processes in court, in line with the rule of law.
His words, “I just learned of the arrest of @DeleFarotimi, 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.
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“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. Obi said.
Obi further stated that 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. Anew more Just and fair Nigeria is possible!. Obi concluded.
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