Sowore Condemns Tinubu Administration for Secret Detention of Peaceful Protesters

Prominent activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, labelling it as “evil” following the covert detention of 75 peaceful protesters.

These individuals, who participated in the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, have been accused of attempting to overthrow the government.

The controversy stems from the events following a series of protests against the policies of the Tinubu administration.

For ten days, Nigerians took to the streets to express their discontent with rising hunger and economic hardship under Tinubu’s leadership.

Among those who protested were several young individuals, with some as young as 15 and 16 years old.

In response to these demonstrations, a significant number of protesters were arrested and subsequently charged with serious crimes, including terrorism, treason, and treasonable felony.

These charges have sparked widespread outrage, particularly among activists and human rights advocates, who see them as a gross overreach by the government.

What has further intensified the controversy is the revelation that a Federal High Court in Abuja had, in secret, granted a 60-day detention order against the arrested protesters.

This order, issued on 8th August 2024, allows the Nigeria Police Force to hold the 75 individuals without trial, a move that has been heavily criticised by Sowore and other activists.

In an affidavit sworn by Gregory Woje, a police officer attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, it was alleged that the protesters were part of a broader conspiracy to destabilise the nation.

According to Woje, preliminary investigations indicated that some of the arrested individuals had been recruited by unnamed financiers to incite chaos and destruction.

These financiers were purportedly providing funds to vulnerable and impoverished individuals, encouraging them to carry banners and participate in activities aimed at overthrowing the democratically elected government.

Sowore, known for his outspoken criticism of the Nigerian government and his advocacy for social justice, has been particularly vocal in his condemnation of the Tinubu administration’s actions.

In a conversation with Newsmen, he expressed his deep concern over the secretive nature of the court’s decision and the severe charges levelled against the protesters.

“A Federal High Court judge in Abuja secretly granted a 60-day detention order to the Nigeria Police Force against 75 peaceful #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria protesters since 8th August 2024, accusing them of terrorism, treason, and treasonable felony under the Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act; some of the protesters are aged 15 and 16,” Sowore stated.

He further criticised the charges, particularly the accusation that the protesters were plotting to overthrow the government using protest placards.

“They accused them of planning to overthrow the government with placards—unbelievable!” Sowore remarked, underscoring the absurdity of the situation.

Sowore’s condemnation did not stop there. He went on to describe the actions of the Tinubu administration as “horrendous” and called for a collective resistance against what he views as a gross injustice. “The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime is evil.

This is horrendous and must be resisted by ALL,” he declared, urging Nigerians to stand up against what he perceives as the administration’s oppressive tactics.

The detention of the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters raises serious concerns about the state of civil liberties in Nigeria.

The secretive manner in which the court order was obtained, coupled with the harsh charges brought against young and largely peaceful protesters, points to a troubling trend of government overreach and the erosion of democratic principles.

Critics argue that such actions by the government are not only a violation of the rights of the detained individuals but also set a dangerous precedent for how dissent is handled in Nigeria.

The ability of citizens to protest and express their dissatisfaction with government policies is a fundamental aspect of any democracy, and the suppression of such activities could lead to a more authoritarian regime.

Omoyele Sowore’s condemnation of the Tinubu administration’s treatment of the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters highlights a growing concern among Nigerians about the direction in which the country is headed.

The secret detention of peaceful protesters, particularly those as young as 15 and 16, on charges of terrorism and treason, is seen as a severe overreaction and a misuse of power.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges and social unrest, the need for a government that respects civil liberties and democratic processes becomes increasingly critical.

Sowore’s call for resistance is a rallying cry for those who believe in the importance of upholding the rights of citizens to speak out against injustice, even in the face of government repression.