Deji Adeyanju, a human rights attorney and activist, has denounced Omoyele Sowore’s harassment as a former presidential contender.
He requested President Bola Tinubu to step in, saying in a statement that Sowore was harassed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Additionally, he denounced the arrest of a few journalists within a week, claiming that this action has an effect on Nigeria’s human rights index.
According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should explicitly distance himself from the DSS’s continued persecution of Omoyele Sowore and remarks made by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.
In his June speech to the National Assembly’s joint session, the president stated that he doesn’t give a damn about what people think of him. It’s double speak to let this harassment go unchecked at this point.
“Considering the nation’s history of intimidating journalists, this silence is alarming. Because of this, the President’s leadership is desperately needed, and he must issue a clear order that such behavior cease right away.
“If nothing is done, Nigeria’s human rights index in the eyes of the world community will suffer due to the ongoing harassment of journalists around the nation.
Hassan Yelwa was arrested by police while covering the Shiite Maulid procession in Abuja in recent weeks, and Sodeeq Atanda was arrested after covering claims of sexual harassment against FUOYE Vice Chancellor Abayomi Fasina.
“These behaviors are illegal and abhorrent. Free speech protection is a must.
