Dare Babalola
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore inside a courtroom, describing it as a brazen assault on democracy and a stark reminder of the government’s disdain for the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku expressed shock and disappointment at the government’s actions, saying Sowore’s arrest was a “new low” and an “open assault on democracy”.
He wrote, “I have just been informed of the arrest of human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police, as well as the arrest of several other citizens who were peacefully protesting in different parts of the country.
“I am shocked and disappointed, but not surprised. Shocked that in 2025, decades after we defeated military rule, this government still treats dissent as a crime. Disappointed because those in power today once thrived on protests. But not surprised, for Bola Tinubu continues to show Nigerians exactly who he is and what he intends to be, if we allow him.
“Sowore’s arrest inside a courtroom is a new low, an open assault on democracy and a grave symbol of this administration’s contempt for the rule of law. The arrest of other peaceful protesters across the country only deepens the stain. Protest is not a crime; it is a constitutional right.”
He demanded the immediate release of Sowore and other protesters arrested during and after the recent demonstrations, urging the government to cease its crackdown on dissenting voices.
“I therefore demand the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and all those arrested during and after the protest. This government must end its persistent harassment of dissenting voices.
“Democracy cannot coexist with tyranny,” he wrote.
