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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.
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured corps members deployed to the state of their safety, despite rising security concerns across the region.
Speaking on Friday through the Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development and Creativity, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, Governor Alia said his administration is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members throughout their service year.
“Sadly, our nation is currently bedevilled with security challenges, and Benue State is not exempt,” the governor stated.
“However, let me quickly allay your fears and assure you that, as a government, we are committed to ensuring that your safety is guaranteed throughout your stay in the state.”
He noted that comprehensive protective measures have been implemented across corps lodges and other areas occupied by corps members in the state.
Governor Alia also encouraged the new corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a “gateway to great opportunities.”
He further urged them to use their God-given talents to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Veronica Garba, thanked the governor and the people of Benue for their continued support of the scheme.
She charged the new inductees to actively participate in the four cardinal components of the orientation course: physical training, motivational lectures, sporting activities, and SAED.
The orientation exercise welcomed a total of 1,600 corps members, officially inducted into the programme by Justice Peter Ukande, who represented the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambeae.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has approved the appointment of a new Acting Director of Administration for the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.
This was contained in a statement in Uburu on Thursday by the DUFUTH’s Public Relations Officer, Agwu N. O.
According to Agwu, the new appointee is Edith Anih, an indigene of Enugu State with relevant working experience, having worked at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, where she was Deputy Director of Administration.
It was gathered that the approval was conveyed in a letter dated April 23, 2025, addressed to the Chief Medical Director.
Prior to her appointment, Anih held the position of Deputy Director of Administration at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.
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He wrote, “Mrs. Anih Edith Ndidi is a seasoned administrator born on May 22, 1973. She is married and hails from Enugu State, specifically Enugu South Local Government Area.
“She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. She is also an associate member of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN).
“The Management of DUFUTH extends a warm welcome to the new DA and looks forward to collaborating with her as she brings a fresh perspective to the hospital’s administrative leadership.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to launch a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), in a major move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
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Edun explained that the upcoming audit, along with recent changes in NNPCL management, is part of a broader effort to reform the state-owned oil company and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s economic institutions.
Addressing top global investors, including representatives from financial giant J.P. Morgan, Edun outlined a series of bold economic reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the measures are already yielding positive results and have laid a strong foundation for future growth.
“Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it,” Edun said. “We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
According to Edun, Nigeria’s economy grew by 3.84% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an overall annual growth rate of 3.4%.
He described the government’s economic strategy as “unprecedented,” adding that key indicators such as the budget deficit, trade balance, and exchange rate have all shown signs of improvement.
“We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course,” he emphasized.
The minister also highlighted the government’s focus on agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth, saying efforts are underway to close the food supply gap by empowering local producers.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
In the area of infrastructure, Edun announced that 90,000km of fibre optic cable has been rolled out to boost internet connectivity, especially for young Nigerians and the tech ecosystem.
Additionally, 4,000km of roads have been earmarked for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.
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