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….Calls for Greater Tolerance of Dissent, Urges Government to Focus on Insecurity and Economic Crisis
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has strongly condemned the revocation of the bail granted to activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, warning that the development could undermine democratic freedoms and further shrink the space for dissent in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National Chairman, Barr. Samuel Memeh, the party expressed what it described as “profound concern” over the outcome of the court proceedings that led to Sowore’s remand in prison custody.
The DLA said it was compelled to react following growing concerns among Nigerians over the implications of the development for freedom of expression, democratic participation, and opposition politics.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has received with profound concern the outcome of the recent court proceedings involving Mr. Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), human rights activist, democracy advocate, and opposition political leader, following the revocation of his bail and his subsequent remand in prison custody,” the statement said.
According to the party, while it remains committed to the rule of law and respects the constitutional role of the judiciary, the circumstances surrounding the case raise troubling questions about democratic tolerance and proportionality.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance respectfully disagrees with the decision that resulted in Mr. Sowore’s incarceration. While we remain committed to the rule of law and respect the constitutional role of the Judiciary, we believe that the circumstances surrounding this matter raise serious questions about proportionality, democratic tolerance, and the broader public interest,” the statement noted.
The party questioned the rationale behind imprisoning a prominent opposition figure and activist at a time when the country is battling multiple security and economic crises.
“At a time when Nigeria is confronted by widespread insecurity, escalating kidnappings, banditry, terrorism, economic hardship, and deepening poverty, it is difficult for many Nigerians to understand why one of the country’s most vocal activists and opposition leaders should be sent to prison over matters arising from political expression and criticism of government,” DLA stated.
The DLA warned that Sowore’s incarceration could deepen fears among citizens that the space for free expression and criticism of government is narrowing.
“The revocation of Mr. Sowore’s bail and his subsequent incarceration will inevitably generate concerns among citizens regarding the shrinking space for dissent and criticism in our democracy,” the party declared.
It added that democratic governance thrives on the protection of differing opinions and the right of citizens to hold public officials accountable.
“Whether one agrees with his views or not, democracy requires the protection of the right of citizens to question authority, challenge government policies, and hold leaders accountable,” the statement emphasized.
The DLA further argued that Nigeria’s development depends on the existence of courageous voices willing to challenge injustice and demand accountability from those in power.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance believes that Nigeria needs more courageous voices willing to speak against insecurity, corruption, bad governance, injustice, and national decline. The answer to criticism is not suppression; the answer is better governance, greater accountability, and improved service delivery to the people,” it said.
The organization also called on the judiciary to remain steadfast in defending constitutional rights and preserving public confidence in the justice system.
“The DLA therefore calls upon the Judiciary to remain steadfast in its constitutional responsibility as an independent guardian of justice and fundamental rights. We urge judicial officers at all levels to continue to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, judicial courage, and constitutional democracy,” the statement read.
The party appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top government officials to demonstrate greater tolerance for opposing viewpoints and redirect national attention to pressing governance challenges.
“We equally call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and all relevant authorities to demonstrate greater tolerance for dissenting opinions and to focus national attention on the urgent security and economic challenges confronting the country,” DLA said.
In one of the strongest portions of the statement, the DLA argued that Nigeria’s real enemies are not opposition politicians or activists but the social and security challenges threatening national stability.
“Nigeria’s greatest enemies today are not activists or opposition politicians. They are kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, violent criminals, poverty, unemployment, corruption, and institutional failures that continue to undermine the welfare of citizens,” the group asserted.
The party further outlined what it considers the most effective pathway to addressing the country’s security challenges.
“The Democratic Leadership Alliance maintains that the solution to Nigeria’s security crisis lies in a combination of effective security operations, economic development, job creation, intelligence gathering, anti-corruption measures, and social investment capable of restoring hope to millions of Nigerians,” the statement added.
The party concluded by urging all arms and institutions of government to focus on governance, economic recovery, and national security rather than political distractions.
“We therefore urge all institutions of government to rise above political distractions and concentrate on the urgent task of securing lives, rebuilding the economy, strengthening democratic institutions, and restoring confidence in governance,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, the DLA maintained that “Nigeria deserves a democracy that protects freedom, encourages constructive criticism, and guarantees justice for all.”
Recall that Justice Mohammed Umar had ordered the detention of the presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore at the Kuje Correctional Center in Abuja following the revocation of his bail and the bench warrant for his arrest.
Sowore, who arrived the court with his bag packed told newsmen at the premises of the court that he knew that, the court would order his detention.
The defendant, who is also the publisher of Sahara Reporters, arrived at the court in the company of members of his group carrying placards.
The court had, on June 16, revoked a bail granted to Sowore following his failure to appear in court for his trial.
The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on an oral application made by the lawyer to the Department of State Services (DSS), Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
The DSS is prosecuting Sowore for allegedly making false claims against the person of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by referring to him as “a criminal” in a post he made on his “X” and Facebook accounts.
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