The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed strong disapproval over the treatment of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, describing it as a grave affront to democratic principles. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi criticized the Nigeria Police for their handling of the case, which he argued undermines the core tenets of justice, freedom of expression, and the presumption of innocence.
Obi stated, “The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer @DeleFarotomi runs foul of every democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until proven guilty before a law court.”
The former Anambra State governor did not hold back in his critique of the Nigeria Police, highlighting their misplaced priorities. He expressed dismay at how law enforcement, already overwhelmed with rampant criminal activities across the country, is diverting its limited resources to civil matters like defamation.
“It’s curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light,” Obi remarked.
Dele Farotimi’s recent remand in prison over allegations of defamation has sparked widespread concern, not just among human rights advocates but also across civil society. Obi described the development as troubling, emphasizing the broader implications it has on the state of justice and the freedom of expression in Nigeria.
“This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation,” Obi stated.
He further lamented the apparent misdirection of national focus, urging authorities to prioritize the urgent and pressing challenges of insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship over what he termed the suppression of critical voices. According to Obi, cases of defamation are civil in nature and should not be weaponized to intimidate individuals or erode their fundamental rights.
“Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights,” he added.
In a pointed reminder, Obi underscored that the strength of any democracy lies in its tolerance for dissenting opinions and its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. He called on the Nigerian authorities to restore public confidence in the justice system by ensuring that cases are handled with impartiality and that genuine national issues receive the attention they deserve.
“I once again call on the authorities to ensure that justice is served impartially and to prioritize the urgent task of combating the real threats plaguing our nation,” he concluded.
The detention of Dele Farotimi raises critical questions about Nigeria’s trajectory as a democratic state. It also puts a spotlight on the delicate balance between enforcing the law and safeguarding the rights of citizens in a country struggling to find solutions to its many socio-economic and security challenges.
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