Top Story

Ezekwesili, Amnesty International spit fire over Sowore

325

 

  • Its Ploy To Silent Voices of Dissent -Amnesty International

 

Amnesty International and a former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, have expressed dissatisfaction and worry over the fresh charges imposed on Omoyele Sowore, the co-convener of #RevolutionNow, and his continued incarceration by the Federal Government.

While Amnesty International calls it a misuse of the criminal system to silence critics and opposition, Ezekwesili described it as one that is intolerant of criticism.

At the expiration of 45 days order to detain Sowore, the Federal Government had filed a seven-count charge bordering on cyberstalking President Muhammadu Buhari, terrorism, felony and money laundering.

The charges had triggered mixed reactions from Nigerians and human rights group in the country, with a damning report condemning Buhari administration for what they called disrespect for human rights.

Amnesty International said the charges the activist was facing showed an attempt by the authorities to deprive him of his rights.

“Amnesty International condemns the bizarre charges pressed on activist, Omoyele Sowore, for expressing his views in media interviews.

“Omoyele Sowore’s continued incarceration on application of the Terrorism Act for exercising his right to freedom of expression is a misuse of the criminal system to silence dissent.

“The international rights group call on the Nigerian authorities to respect and protect human rights of all persons without discrimination and ensure that it does not use its laws to justify violations of Omoyele Sowore’s human rights,’’ the group said.

According to Ezekwesili, Sowore’s detention is unconstitutional and unlawful, describing the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as one that was intolerant of criticism.

Ezekwesili, a presidential candidate in the 2019 poll, said Sowore, the AAC presidential candidate’s rights had been trampled underfoot.

In a her Twitter handle on Sunday, she said despite the fact the Constitution allows free speech and criticism, the Buhari administration did not allow it.

“We stand on with @YeleSowore and defend his constitutional right and freedom to protest any matter of governance that worries him. Mr Sowore’s convening of citizens to protest poor governance – via #RevolutionNow– is constitutionally guaranteed.

“Democracy and voice are Siamese twins. The good kind of Siamese twins. No one regardless of their position is given the right to shut down voices like @YeleSowore’s for daring to disagree. How long shall it take before the FG @NigeriaGov understands the basics of democracy?

“Our FG @NigeriaGov led by @NGRPresident @MBuhari may think they have ‘caged’ @YeleSowore because he dared to challenge bad leadership and poor governance through #RevolutionNow. Not so, actually. His idea can never be caged. Why? You cannot cage an idea whose time has come.

“@YeleSowore is unconstitutionally and unlawfully detained for calling out deadly incompetence of the @NigeriaGov of @MBuhari,’’ she twitted.

Ezekwesili further added, “Not even the Judiciary is spared this spread of deadly incompetence. Here’s the thing. It is painful that @YeleSowore bears the brunt of the collective dissatisfaction of the citizens of Nigerians toward a grossly incompetent and intolerant @AsoRock.

“We must thank him for once again reminding us that: the power of the people is greater than the people in power.

“When the Citizens of Nigeria are ready, neither @YeleSowore nor anyone else need publicly mobilise them and be accused of `wanting to overthrow a government. The citizens shall on their own rid themselves of a trenchantly incompetent and wicked political class. It’ll happen.”

Sowore was arrested early August and taken to custody after the Department of State Services (DSS) secured a court order to keep him for 45 days.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Angolan President João Lourenço Takes Helm as African Union Chairperson

Angolan President João Lourenço has been elected as the new chairperson of...

Anambra accident: Cement-laden truck crashes into building, leaving five dead, others injured

A tragic accident occurred at the Area Command Bus Stop in Nnewi,...

Just in: Afenifere leader, 96-year-old Ayo Adebanjo exits

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has died...

FG Launches ‘Power Rangers’ to Protect Power Installations

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced the inauguration of a...

Breaking: National Assembly passes 54.9trn 2025 budget

The National Assembly has approved a record-breaking N54.9 trillion federal government’s budget...

Nigeria Partners Google to Harness AI for Digital Economic Growth

Nigeria is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to advance artificial intelligence...

NNPCL Chief, Kyari, Unveils Strategic Priorities for Africa’s Sustainable Energy Development

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Five months after cabinet reshuffle: Tinubu orders ministers to render account of stewardship

President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to provide an immediate account...

Just in: CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees Effective March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction...

UCH power outage: Minister brokers deal with IBEDC, to restore electricity in 48 hours

Following the Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu’s intervention, the Ibadan Electricity...

VP Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Bridging Financial Gaps, Achieving $1trn Economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic...

Just in: Supreme Court reserves judgments in 4 Rivers political dispute cases

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgments in four separate cases related...

Edo gov. poll tribunal: Gov. Okpebholo closes defence, calls lone witness

Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Monday in Abuja opened and closed his...

NAFDAC cracks down on counterfeit medicines, seizes fake drugs in Anambra market

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched...

Just in: Alleged terrorism: Justice Nyako adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the...

N495m debt: Months-long power cut brings UCH Ibadan to grinding halt

The premier world-class University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, is on...

Another Niger State Tanker Explosion: Latest Tragedy Fuels Push for Enhanced Safety Protocols

A catastrophic gas explosion rocked Sabon Wuse in Tafa Local Government Area...

Nigeria introduces hassle-free, contactless passport renewal system for European-based citizens

After its successful implementation in Canada, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi...

6-3-3-4 not scrapped, only proposing migration to 12-year compulsory education, Minister clarifies

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified media reports that the federal...

FG announces reforms, plans to replaces JSS, SSS with 12-year basic education model

After 42 years of its introduction into the education system, the Federal...