Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has reiterated his commitment to fighting against societal injustices, vowing to continue speaking out despite facing legal challenges. Sowore’s remarks came on the heels of a court order requiring him to surrender his international passport as part of bail conditions related to a cybercrime case initiated by the Nigeria Police.
The case stems from Sowore’s public criticism of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, whom Sowore labeled as an “illegal IGP.” Following his hearing, the court granted Sowore bail, but imposed conditions that included the temporary confiscation of his passport. Sowore, however, remains undeterred by these restrictions.
Speaking on the matter, Sowore declared that he will not be intimidated or silenced. “You can take away my passport, but you can’t take away my right. You can’t shut me up; you can’t make me disappear; it’s not possible,” he stated emphatically via his X platform account.
Sowore emphasized that his activism is not driven by political expediency or the approach of elections. He criticized certain political figures, particularly former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, for what he described as “emergency activism.” He suggested that these individuals speak out only when it serves their selfish political interests, particularly during election periods.
“We aren’t doing it because the elections are coming. We are not emergency activists, like the ones that started yesterday: El-Rufai, Amaechi, and the rest of them,” Sowore said. “We do this as a matter of conviction. It’s our body clock that reminds us about injustice, not election calendars.”
Sowore also addressed the bail conditions imposed upon him, noting that while they are complex and require careful legal scrutiny, he remains resolute in his commitment to advocate for the welfare of Nigerians. “The judge has finally granted bail after the hearing yesterday, and the bail conditions are very mathematical, so I leave it for the lawyers,” he said.
Despite the legal hurdles he faces, Sowore expressed confidence in the cause he is fighting for. “We are very resolute to make sure that this country is extricated from the hands of mediocre people holding the country to ransom,” he asserted. His words reflect his ongoing determination to address what he sees as systemic issues within the country.
