Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has denounced the arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over allegations of defamation.
In a strongly worded statement, Obi described the arrest as “a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.”
“I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority but also a worrying signal to every Nigerian who loves and values freedom of expression and dares to demand accountability and transparency,” Obi said.
The Labour Party stalwart emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is mandated to protect citizens’ rights rather than suppress them. He highlighted that defamation is a civil matter, best resolved in court through due legal process, rather than being criminalized.
“As a private citizen, former governor, and even today, I am frequently defamed, insulted, and lied about. Yet, I have never resorted to using the Nigerian police or filing reports to silence others,” Obi noted. He urged individuals and entities aggrieved by defamation to seek legal recourse rather than “weaponizing the police or abusing their access to authority or state power.”
Obi further criticized the police’s involvement in the matter, describing it as an abuse of power that undermines the independence and professionalism of the force. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of Farotimi, asserting that the police must prioritize their allegiance to the Constitution and the Nigerian people over serving narrow interests.
“The resort to police action, in this case, reeks of abuse of power and raises serious concerns about the independence and professionalism of the police as a civil force,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Obi reaffirmed his vision for a more equitable Nigeria, saying, “A new, more just and fair Nigeria is possible!”
The arrest of Farotimi has sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing it as a potential threat to freedom of expression and democracy in the country. Observers are closely watching the situation as calls for his release continue to grow.
