Farotimi Languishes in Prison for Speaking Truth to Power – Atiku

Atiku Abubakar condemns the imprisonment of Dele Farotimi, stating it is a result of his fearless stance on truth and accountability in leadership.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his disapproval of the imprisonment of human rights lawyer and advocate, Dele Farotimi, highlighting that he is suffering in prison for courageously speaking truth to those in authority.

Farotimi is facing prosecution in a chief magistrate’s court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, on charges of allegedly defaming Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afe Babalola.

In a post on X marking International Human Rights Day, Abubakar stated that the lawyer’s arrest clearly illustrates the widespread atmosphere of impunity and rights violations in the country.

“The statement read that Dele Farotimi is currently detained in prison not because of any actual crime, but for the alleged ‘offense’ of consistently challenging authority by speaking truth to power.”

Atiku stated that his sole wrongdoing is his unwavering dedication to revealing truths that the government and its allies would prefer to keep concealed.

He criticized the conditions of Farotimi’s imprisonment, emphasizing that Farotimi is being charged under a cyberbullying law which does not exist in Ekiti State.

To Atiku, the situation represents a serious injustice and an infringement on constitutional rights.

The former vice president also expressed worries about the cyberbullying law being misused, noting that it has been turned into a tool to silence dissenting voices, including opposition members and journalists.

“This is concerning. He has been detained and prosecuted under the pretense of a law that doesn’t even exist in Ekiti State, highlighting the widespread impunity prevalent in Nigeria,” he added.

He stated that using the cyberbullying law to harass, intimidate, and silence opposition voices and journalists is alarming. It’s a clear attack on freedom of expression and democratic principles.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also called on Nigerian leaders across all levels of government to renew their dedication to upholding their constitutional oaths and safeguarding citizens’ rights. He emphasized that this commitment is essential for the flourishing of democracy in the country.

“We must remind our leaders that safeguarding and upholding constitutionally enshrined rights are essential for nurturing and strengthening our democracy. This commitment cannot falter,” he stated.

Dele Farotimi’s ordeal has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and civil society organizations, who view his situation as symbolic of the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law.