Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has strongly condemned the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer and advocate, over allegations of defamation.
In a statement, Obi described the arrest as a blatant misuse of police powers and a severe affront to the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
“This action is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria,” Obi stated. “It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority but also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who cherishes freedom of expression and values accountability and transparency.”
Obi emphasized that the role of the Nigeria Police Force is to protect the rights of citizens, not to suppress them. He reminded Nigerians that defamation is inherently a civil matter that should be resolved in court through due legal process, in accordance with the rule of law.
Drawing from his own experiences, Obi noted: “As a private citizen and former governor, I have frequently been defamed, insulted, and lied about. Yet, I have never resorted to using the police or filing reports to silence others. Those who feel otherwise should seek redress through proper legal channels, not by weaponizing the police or abusing state power.”
The former governor decried the use of police action in this instance, highlighting that it reeks of abuse of power and undermines the independence and professionalism expected of the police as a civil institution.
“I hereby request that Dele Farotimi be released immediately and unconditionally,” Obi declared. “The police must recognize that their allegiance lies with the Constitution and the people of Nigeria, not with narrow interests at the behest of those in power.”
Obi concluded with a rallying call, expressing his vision for a better Nigeria: “A new, more just and fair Nigeria is possible!”
