NEWS
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.”
SEE ALSO: Messi Named MLS MVP After Historic Season With Inter Miami
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.
A lawsuit has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The legal action seeks to nullify his appointment and bar the President from making similar decisions in other states.
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, was initiated on Tuesday by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who argues that the appointment violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, is listed as the 1st defendant, while the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd.), and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states are named as the 2nd to 39th defendants.
Jideobi is urging the court to declare all decisions made by Ibas in his capacity as Sole Administrator unconstitutional and of no effect.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
He is also seeking an order preventing the President from appointing Sole Administrators in any state across Nigeria.
Through a team of lawyers led by Chimezie Enuka, the plaintiff is asking the court to rule on the following:
“Whether the President has the constitutional power to remove, suspend, or interfere with the tenure of an elected governor or deputy governor.
“Whether the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor on March 18, 2025, was lawful.
“Whether the Constitution permits the appointment of a Sole Administrator to govern a state.
Jideobi contends that the only lawful means of removing a governor are outlined in Sections 180, 188, 189, 305, and 306 of the 1999 Constitution, none of which provide for the appointment of a Sole Administrator.
The plaintiff is asking the court to: overturn the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor, Invalidate the appointment and swearing-in of Ibas as Sole Administrator, Order Ibas to immediately vacate the Government House in Rivers State and Issue an injunction stopping the President from appointing Sole Administrators in any Nigerian state.
In a 32-paragraph affidavit, Jideobi insists that Nigeria operates a federal system of government, where elected governors are not subject to presidential removal.
“As a lawyer, I have never seen the term ‘Sole Administrator’ in the 1999 Constitution,” he asserted.
He further argued that allowing the President to make such appointments could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to political instability in the country.
No hearing date has been scheduled yet.
The Senate has confirmed Sylvester Nwakuche as the new Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu on December 13, 2024.
His appointment comes after the retirement of Haliru Nababa.
The confirmation was finalized during Tuesday’s plenary session after the Senate Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, submitted its report.
READ MORE: 12 Inmates Escape Kogi Prison, Authorities Launch Manhunt
Lawmakers unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation, officially endorsing Nwakuche’s leadership of the NCoS.
Announcing the confirmation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged Nwakuche to take urgent steps to enhance the security of correctional facilities across the country.
“We hope that under your leadership, the era of frequent jailbreaks in the country will come to an end,” Akpabio stated.
This call for improved security comes in the wake of a recent jailbreak at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton Karfe, Kogi State, where 12 inmates escaped in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the death of one correctional officer.
Suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), seeking the disbarment of Senator Nedamwem Imasuen, who currently serves as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
In her submission to the LPDC, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Imasuen of being previously disbarred in the United States for professional misconduct.
She cited a ruling from the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, dated May 10, 2010, which she claims found him guilty of fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities.
READ ALSO: I’ll Never Apologise – Suspended Senator Natasha Fights Back
To substantiate her claims, the senator provided a copy of the Justia New York Case Law 2010, titled Matter of Imasuen, and stated that she would present additional evidence from official records when the case is heard.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Imasuen was disbarred after a complaint was lodged by Daphne Slyfield, a former client who had allegedly paid him significant legal fees but was later abandoned.
The US court determined that he had violated multiple professional rules, leading to his permanent removal from legal practice in the country.
Following his disbarment, Imasuen moved to Nigeria, where he continued to operate as a lawyer while also building a political career.
He eventually won a seat in the National Assembly as the Senator representing Edo South and was later appointed as the chairman of the Senate Ethics Committee, a position that requires unquestionable integrity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan argues that Imasuen failed to disclose this crucial part of his history, both in his legal career and during his political aspirations.
She specifically pointed out that he did not reveal his disbarment in his Form EC9—his sworn declaration of personal details submitted to INEC during his election bid.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition is closely linked to her recent six-month suspension from the Senate, which was enforced under Imasuen’s leadership.
She alleged that Imasuen ignored an interim order from the Federal High Court in Abuja, issued on March 4, which had restrained his committee from proceeding with disciplinary action against her.
According to her, despite receiving the court’s directive, Imasuen “acted in contempt of court” by going ahead with her suspension. She also accused him of deliberately attempting to undermine the judiciary by disregarding the ruling.
Legal experts suggest that if the LPDC rules in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favor, Imasuen could face serious professional and political consequences, including the potential revocation of his ability to practice law in Nigeria.
As of now, Senator Imasuen has not publicly responded to the allegations.
JUST IN: S’Eagles’ World Cup Dreams Stumble As Zimbabwe Secure 1-1 Draw
Lawyer Petitions Court To Declare Rivers Sole Administrator’s Appointment Null
Senate Confirms Nwakuche As NCoS Controller General
Sen. Natasha Moves To Disbar Senate Ethics Chairman
JUST IN: Labour Unions Reject Rivers Emergency, Threaten Nationwide Strike
betist
December 7, 2024 at 11:24 am
I just wanted to express my gratitude for the valuable insights you provide through your blog. Your expertise shines through in every word, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.