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PGGSJ Demands Dele Farotimi’s Release, Calls Arrest An Attack On Nigeria’s Conscience
The Professionals for Good Governance and Social Justice (PGGSJ) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer and political activist, calling it an assault on Nigeria’s conscience and a grave violation of fundamental rights.
In a statement released by its Convener/Leader, Dr. Ben Chukwu, the group expressed deep outrage over the timing of the arrest, especially amid the country’s ongoing socio-economic struggles.
Chukwu said, “The abduction of Farotimi at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe socio-economic challenges is a wake-up call. This act should ignite deep resentment not only among the few vocal guardians of moral integrity but also among the ordinary citizens who form the backbone of the nation.”
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The PGGSJ also denounced the actions of the Ekiti State Police Command, accusing them of a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“The arrest was marked by illegal actions, including the intimidation of lawyers and staff members and the seizure of phones to conceal video evidence,” Chukwu said. “This behavior has severely damaged the credibility of the institution involved.”
Dele Farotimi, known for his unyielding stance against corruption, has been a vocal critic of Nigeria’s political elite.
His activism, which includes bold acts of protest such as refusing to groom his hair and beard in 2020 to oppose the detention of activists Agba Jalingo and Omoyele Sowore, has earned him both admiration and controversy.
Farotimi has consistently spoken out in defense of marginalized communities, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for justice.
The PGGSJ also targeted Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who filed the petition that led to Farotimi’s arrest. Chukwu called on Babalola to reconsider his actions and withdraw the petition.
“As a respected lawyer, Babalola has a responsibility to uphold the law and protect the rights of all citizens,” Chukwu said. “Instead, his actions have been used to silence a vocal critic and undermine the democratic process.”
The PGGSJ’s statement emphasized that Farotimi’s arrest is not just a personal attack but an attack on the millions of Nigerians who yearn for change.
“Farotimi has voiced the frustrations and aspirations of the oppressed. His fight is one for a better Nigeria,” Chukwu added.
The group further called for the Nigerian Police Force to protect citizens’ rights and for the Federal Government to intervene and secure Farotimi’s immediate release.
“The government must take immediate action to release Dele Farotimi unconditionally and ensure that his rights are protected,” Chukwu said, warning that failure to act would further damage the government’s public image.
The PGGSJ also urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to rise in support of Farotimi and demand justice.
“The time has come for Nigerians, especially the youth, to take a stand against injustice,” Chukwu urged. “Farotimi’s fight is our fight, and his arrest is an attack on us all.”
The statement concluded with a call for widespread action, warning that if Farotimi is not released, the nation could face large-scale protests.
“Nigeria will stand still if Dele Farotimi is not freed. The future of this country depends on the courage of its citizens to challenge the present,” Chukwu declared.
The PGGSJ also called on human rights organizations, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigeria Bar Association, and trade unions to join the call for Farotimi’s release, stressing that the struggle for justice must be a collective effort.
Senator John Azuta Mbata, a former lawmaker who represented Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has emerged as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
His election took place during a stakeholders’ meeting of the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization held on Friday at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State.
Details shortly……….
The Presidency has responded sharply to recent remarks by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing him of not listening to the people.
Mohammed made the statements during a conversation with Sheikh Sani Jingir, the National Chairman of the Ulama Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah, while discussing the state of the nation.
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“We are not on good terms with him (Tinubu) because our brothers and sisters are suffering. Even we, the governors, are suffering. Aside from his policies, he does not listen to us,” Mohammed said, highlighting that the northern region has been particularly affected by the president’s policies.
He also expressed concern that the proposed tax reforms would further exacerbate poverty in the region.
In response, the presidency issued a statement on Friday through President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
The statement sharply criticized the governor’s remarks, labeling them as “irresponsible politics.”
“Governor Bala should face governance and stop using President Tinubu to burnish his vanishing image. Governor Bala is playing irresponsible politics.
“Rather, he should occupy himself with dealing with the many problems of his state. Ambition is made of sterner stuff,” the statement read.
The Presidency reiterated that President Tinubu is focused on reviving the economy and fulfilling the promises made during the 2023 election.
“President Tinubu is focused on revamping the economy, and he is working to turn the economic fortunes of the country around. He has a four-year mandate to deliver on his promises,” Dare stated, emphasizing that Nigerians will soon see the benefits of the administration’s reforms.
Further defending the president’s leadership, the statement stressed that President Tinubu is committed to collaborating with state leaders and other stakeholders to improve the country’s overall well-being.
“The focus of this government is on how to build stronger collaborations with sub-nationals and other critical stakeholders on matters that affect the lives of Nigerians,” it read.
The Presidency also countered Governor Mohammed’s claim that Tinubu is not a “listening leader,” asserting that the president values the institutions of state and is open to engagement.
“President Tinubu is a listening leader and also a leader who firmly believes in the institutions of state,” the statement stated.
Addressing the concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, the Presidency advised those with strong objections to utilize the legislative process, urging dialogue through the National Assembly.
In a pointed critique of Governor Mohammed’s leadership in Bauchi State, the statement questioned the governor’s effectiveness in addressing the pressing issues facing his people: “How well are the people of his state, who still rank as most impoverished among Nigerians, faring under his leadership? How well has he, as Governor, used the increased resources at his disposal to improve the quality of life of his people?”
The Presidency concluded by reminding the governor of his duty to the people of Bauchi, asserting that “constant blustering and playing irresponsible politics will not relieve him of his duty to the people of Bauchi State his leadership has impoverished.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully recovered $52.88 million in assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America.
The announcement was made by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, during a formal asset agreement signing ceremony held in Abuja on Friday.
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According to Fagbemi, $50 million of the recovered funds will be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank, while the remaining $2 million will be used by the International Institute of Justice to strengthen the justice system and combat corruption.
“This asset return marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and the United States to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law,” Fagbemi stated.
He also highlighted the recovery as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing corruption and promoting transparency.
Richard Mills, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of proper monitoring and utilization of the recovered funds.
He urged the Ministry of Justice to ensure that the resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
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December 7, 2024 at 11:24 am
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