The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, held a press conference on December 4, 2024, expressing outrage over the recent arrest of Barrister Dele Farotimi, a prominent civil rights lawyer and advocate for good governance.
In a press release in Kaduna State, the movement views his detention as a troubling manifestation of governmental overreach and an attack on freedom of speech in Nigeria.
His arrest follows a petition he filed with the Inspector General of Police, raising serious questions about the abuse of power and the increasing repression of freedom of speech in the country.
We stand united in condemning the government’s oppressive actions, which have severely impacted the lives of Nigerian citizens. The recent hike in fuel prices—ranging from #165 to over #1,100 per liter—has exacerbated the cost of living, pushing essential goods out of reach for many Nigerians. The people are now struggling to afford basic meals, with civil servants among the hardest hit by widespread poverty and hunger. The current economic policies, including the floating of the Naira and unmanageable inflation, have crippled industries and left businesses in disarray. The soaring interest rates and the collapse of small and medium enterprises have worsened the situation.
The electricity tariff hike, coupled with poor service delivery, has added to the economic burden on Nigerian citizens. The government’s proposed tax reforms appear to be designed to further impoverish the public without offering any productive solutions to revive the economy.
The minimum wage, which barely covers the cost of basic food items, has led many workers to live paycheck to paycheck. Public servants report that their salaries last for only a few days before they must turn to loan sharks to meet their basic needs. Healthcare, education, and security are at an all-time low, with many families unable to afford even the most basic necessities.
Dele Farotimi has been a vocal critic of these injustices, always championing the rights of marginalized communities. His arrest is seen as an attempt to silence him and intimidate others who dare to speak out against the government’s failures.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Barrister Dele Farotimi, in full respect of his fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. Should this demand not be met, we will resort to peaceful public protests across the country to challenge the abuse of power and demand justice for the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, we urge the international community to take note of these alarming developments and show support for all those fighting for justice and human rights in Nigeria. We must protect the rights of citizens and defend free speech as the bedrock of any democracy.
We are also aware of the government’s ongoing attempts to target His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi for his unwavering commitment to truth and justice. The Obidient Movement will stand firm against any form of repression directed at him.
Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will continue to resist tyranny, corruption, and impunity. We demand the protection of democracy and human rights for all.
