“Police Used as Tools of Oppression Under Tinubu” – Atiku Criticizes Farotimi’s Arrest

In a strong condemnation of the recent arrest and detention of lawyer and human rights advocate Dele Farotimi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the incident as a grave reminder of Nigeria’s authoritarian past. He expressed concern that such actions are indicative of a broader agenda to suppress dissent and undermine democratic principles.

Atiku, reacting to reports that Farotimi was arrested over allegations of defamation, criticized the use of law enforcement in civil matters. He described the police’s involvement as an overreach, likening it to “using a sledgehammer to swat a fly.” According to Atiku, such measures go beyond what is necessary and are aimed at silencing critics.

“These alarming actions by the administration are emblematic of an insidious effort to suffocate fundamental rights such as free expression,” Atiku stated. He accused the Tinubu-led government of attempting to intimidate citizens and the press, suggesting that this could pave the way for the establishment of a one-party state.

Atiku emphasized that freedom of speech and association are constitutional rights, not privileges to be granted or withdrawn at the discretion of the state. He urged aggrieved parties in cases of defamation to seek redress through the courts, rather than leveraging state resources to settle personal grievances.

Citing his own experience, Atiku recalled being defamed in 2019 and choosing to address the matter through legal channels rather than resorting to police action. He labeled the use of law enforcement in Farotimi’s case as an abuse of power and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the activist.