- Atiku expressed concern over the use of security agency to intimidate dissent and limit free expression.
A former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar, says the arrest of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, signals a return to brutal and dark era of military regime in Nigeria.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who condemned the arrest of Farotimi, expressed concern over the use of security agency to intimidate government critics and muscle free expression.
Atiku expressed his revulsion at Farotimi’s arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday.
This is even as he stated that the accusations of defamation against Farotimi should not involve law enforcement.
He disclosed that he did not arrest anyone when he was defamed in 2019 but approached the court to seek redress.
“The arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, is unequivocally condemned. It serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship when the iron fist of tyranny sought to crush all dissent.
“I am made aware that Dele is being accused of defamation — an offence that, under normal circumstances, should not warrant the involvement of law enforcement. The Police’s intervention in such matters is nothing less than the use of a sledgehammer to swat a fly, an overreach of unimaginable proportions.
“Defamation, under normal circumstances, is a civil offence and does not warrant police intervention. The Police’s involvement in this case is akin to using a sledgehammer to swat a fly—an overreach of unimaginable proportions,” Atiku said.
He further condemned the growing trend of targeting individuals who oppose the administration or exercise their right to free speech, warning that this poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic values.
“The arrest—or more appropriately, the abduction—of Dele Farotimi is a clear indication of this administration’s agenda to stifle free expression and intimidate dissenting voices. These actions are paving the way for a one-party state, which is completely contrary to the principles of democracy,” Atiku said.
Atiku reminded the government that freedom of speech and association are constitutionally protected rights, not privileges granted at the discretion of the state.
He urged the administration to respect the rule of law and allow grievances to be addressed through proper judicial channels, rather than misusing state power.
Atiku stated, “If anyone feels aggrieved by defamatory remarks, the courts are there to provide redress—not the heavy-handed intervention of the Police. In 2019, I was defamed, but I sought justice in court, not through police intimidation. That is how democracy works.”
The PDP leader also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi, emphasising that his continued detention is an affront to Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
“It is an appalling abuse of power to use the Police for personal vendettas. The Tinubu administration must realize that repeated arbitrary arrests and harassment contradict the democratic principles they claim to uphold,” Atiku added.
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