The OBIdient Movement has warned the Nigerian Police to release human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi or face massive protests across the country.
This stern warning came after Farotimi’s arrest, which has sparked outrage among Nigerians.
In a statement released on December 4, 2024, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the OBIdient Movement, condemned Farotimi’s detention as a “nefarious act of abuse of power.”
“We unequivocally condemn this nefarious act of abuse of power,” Tanko said in the statement.
He demanded that the Nigerian Police respect Farotimi’s fundamental human rights, citing Section 40 of Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We urge the Nigerian authorities to ensure his immediate and unconditional release,” Tanko added.
Tanko’s statement emphasized that the OBIdient Movement would not tolerate such actions against human rights activists.
“Failure to release him immediately, we shall invoke our fundamental rights as citizens to engage in a series of public protests across the country to challenge this gross abuse of power and neglect of the people,” Tanko warned.
The OBIdient Movement, known for its activism and support for social justice, vowed to continue its fight against what it views as an attack on free speech and democracy.
The arrest of Dele Farotimi, a well-known lawyer and vocal critic of government policies, has sparked widespread condemnation.
Many Nigerians view his detention as an attempt to silence dissenting voices and intimidate those speaking out against government actions.
“Dele Farotimi is a man who has always stood up for what is right,” said a supporter during a protest in Lagos.
“He is one of the few who still dares to speak the truth, and now they want to silence him. This cannot be allowed.”
The Nigerian Police Force has faced increasing accusations of misusing its power to silence critics and suppress free speech.
Farotimi’s arrest is seen as part of this troubling trend, with many fearing that the government is using the police to target its opponents.
“Silencing activists is not the way to build a democracy,” said an outspoken critic of the government.
“Dele Farotimi’s arrest shows how far the government is willing to go to stifle opposition.”
The OBIdient Movement also called for international support in the fight for Farotimi’s release.
“We call on the international community to take note of this disturbing development and to stand in solidarity with Dele Farotimi and all those who are fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria,” the statement continued.
Tanko reminded the public that the protection of human rights and the promotion of free speech were essential to maintaining a healthy democracy.
The OBIdient Movement, which gained popularity for its advocacy of the rights of citizens, has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government’s treatment of activists and opposition members.
The movement’s warning of massive protests signals a rising frustration with the state’s handling of human rights issues.
“We will not sit back and watch as our rights are trampled upon,” Tanko emphasized.
“We will not rest until Dele Farotimi is free.”
As news of Farotimi’s arrest spread, it quickly became a topic of conversation in Nigerian homes and on social media.
Many supporters of the OBIdient Movement have already begun organizing protests in various cities, promising to take their fight to the streets if Farotimi is not released soon.
“The government needs to understand that we are not afraid to speak out,” said a protest organizer.
“We will keep pushing for justice, no matter what it takes.”
The arrest comes at a time when Nigeria’s political climate is already tense, with growing dissatisfaction over issues like unemployment, corruption, and human rights abuses.
Farotimi has been an outspoken critic of these issues, and his arrest is seen as an attempt to silence one of the last remaining voices willing to challenge the government’s actions.
“The government is trying to intimidate people who speak out,” said another activist.
“But this will only make us stronger. We will not be silenced.”
