The Obidient Movement has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian authorities, threatening to take to the streets nationwide if human rights lawyer and activist, Barr. Dele Farotimi, is not released immediately.
Farotimi was arrested and detained on the orders of a magistrate court for allegedly defaming Chief Afe Babalola SAN.
“We unequivocally condemn this nefarious act of abuse of power and demand that the Nigerian Police respect Dele Farotimi’s fundamental human rights,” said Dr. Tanko Yunusa, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
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“We urge the Nigerian authorities to ensure his immediate and unconditional release, guaranteeing that his rights are protected throughout the process.”
The group argued that Farotimi’s arrest is a blatant attempt to silence him and intimidate others who dare to challenge the status quo. “As a vocal advocate for human rights, Dele Farotimi has consistently spoken out against injustice and championed the rights of marginalized communities,” they said.
The Obidient Movement also expressed its deepest concern and shock over the gestapo-style arrest of Farotimi, who has been a strong advocate for good governance. “His detention raises serious questions about the misuse of power and the suppression of freedom of speech in Nigeria,” they said.
The group further argued that the current administration’s policies have inflicted pain on the Nigerian people, citing the increase in fuel prices, the floating of the Naira, and the increase in electricity tariffs.
“There is hunger in the land, and the so-called minimum wage cannot afford a bag of rice, spaghetti, or vegetable oil,” they said.
The Obidient Movement called on the International Community to take note of Farotimi’s detention and to stand in solidarity with him and all those 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,” they said.
The movement also warned that it will resist any form of cruelty and flagrant abuse of power against Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party. “We are aware of the one-by-one arrest targeted towards the arrest of His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi for speaking truth to power,” they said.