Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has strongly condemned the recent arrest of lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi. Farotimi was detained by officers from the Nigeria Police Force at the Zone 2 Command in Lagos, following a defamation petition filed by Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA). The arrest has sparked significant public outcry, with many viewing it as a violation of democratic principles.
The arrest comes just one day after Farotimi publicly expressed concerns about threats to his life from influential figures within Nigeria’s political circles. These remarks have added an additional layer of tension to the incident, as critics argue that the arrest may be politically motivated. Farotimi, a prominent activist known for his outspoken views, has long been a critic of the Nigerian government and its actions.
Peter Obi, in a series of tweets, decried the arrest as a “gross misuse of police power” and an affront to Nigeria’s democratic values. “This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria,” Obi stated. He emphasized that the use of police resources to silence dissent is a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law.
Obi also advised individuals who believe they have been defamed to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to police action. “Defamation, by its nature, is a civil matter that should be addressed in court through due legal process,” Obi noted, underscoring the importance of upholding the law in a democracy. He further highlighted that such matters should be resolved through legal channels rather than through the abuse of state power.
In his statement, Obi also reflected on his own experiences with defamation, revealing that he, too, has faced insults and falsehoods throughout his career. Despite this, he has never resorted to using the police to silence his critics. “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 shared, further emphasizing his commitment to upholding democratic principles.
The former governor condemned the actions of the police, warning that it represented not just an attempt to intimidate Farotimi but also a wider attack on the freedom of expression. “It is also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency,” Obi added, calling on the public to recognize the importance of protecting fundamental rights in Nigeria.
In closing, Obi called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi, urging the police to realign their actions with the Constitution. “I hereby request that Dele Farotimi 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,” Obi wrote, reinforcing his stance against the misuse of police power in silencing dissent.
