Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, has strongly condemned the arrest of his political ally, Dele Farotimi, over a defamation petition.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi described Farotimi’s arrest as a grave assault on democracy. He stated, “Farotimi’s arrest is a gross misuse of police powers and a grave assault on the principles of democracy and justice in Nigeria.
I condemn this action in totality. It represents not only an attempt to intimidate opposing voices from questioning authority.”
Read Also : Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, December 4, 2024: Black Market, CBN Rates
Obi criticized those behind Farotimi’s arrest and called for the human rights lawyer’s immediate and unconditional release. “The police must recognize that their allegiance is to the constitution and the people of Nigeria, not to narrow interests at the behest of those in power,” the former Anambra governor added.
NBA Condemns Arrest, Harassment of Dele Farotimi: Calls for Immediate Release
Farotimi’s arrest was reported earlier on Tuesday. Before his arrest, Farotimi had stated that Tony Elumelu, the chairman of UBA, had filed a petition against him, which he had honored by responding to the police invitation.
Additionally, Farotimi alleged that senior lawyer Afe Babalola had mobilized Nigerian police to arrest and take him to Ekiti State for trial.
