Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a prominent chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has cautioned the federal government against arresting Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and a key organizer of the recent anti-bad governance protests.
Ajadi’s warning comes after reports emerged that the Department of State Services (DSS) had instructed security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to apprehend Sowore upon his arrival in the country.
Ajadi emphasized that such an action would be inconsistent with Nigeria’s democratic principles and would evoke memories of the country’s dark military past.
He urged the government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, as enshrined in the constitution.
“Sowore’s arrest would be unjustified, as he was not in the country during the protests and had no involvement in any violent acts,” Ajadi stated. “As a former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Sowore deserves to be treated with dignity, not arrested like a criminal.”
Ajadi also warned the DSS to exercise caution, as attempting to arrest Sowore in the presence of his supporters could lead to confrontations.
The NNPP chieftain emphasized that the government should prioritize accountability and allow citizens to express their grievances peacefully, without resorting to arbitrary arrests or intimidation.