Renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of Dele Farotimi, a prominent advocate for democracy in Nigeria.
In his statement, Utomi lamented the implications of such actions, recalling his own experiences with state oppression during the Abacha regime.
He stated, “As one who survived assassination attempts under General Sani Abacha, I know where this points to,” emphasizing the troubling parallels between past and present governmental actions against dissenting voices.
Utomi criticized the justifications being offered for Farotimi’s arrest, labeling them as mere excuses. He warned that such oppressive measures could lead to renewed calls for international sanctions against the Nigerian government, similar to those that previously isolated the Abacha regime.
He quoted George Santayana, stating, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” underscoring the importance of historical awareness in safeguarding democracy.
The arrest has drawn widespread condemnation from various political figures and organizations, who view it as an alarming assault on democratic principles and a misuse of state power.
