News
Protesters Demand Release of Omoyele Sowore at Force Headquarters
Mariam Sanni
A peaceful protest took place today at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where demonstrators demanded the immediate release of human right activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore.
It was gathered that the activist was detained by the authorities when he honoured an invitation extended to him by the Force Intelligence Department (FID).
His legal counsel, Barrister Alex Oketa, described the detention as unconstitutional, stating Sowore has the right to remain silent under Nigerian law and is not obligated to make any statement.
He also accused the police of holding Sowore beyond the legally allowed period.
Comrade Oshioks Philips of the AAC joined in condemning the detention, urging respect for the rule of law.
He accused the police of refusing to disclose the petition against Sowore, noted that protesters will not leave the police environment until Sowore is released unconditionally.
He noted that Sowore’s fundamental human rights have been violated in detention.
“He decided not to pen down any form of statement, because, as a freeborn, we deserve to see the petition written against him at the end of the day. But unfortunately, nothing was presented on that basis.
“The information we got was he was going to be detained within the facility of FID for that day only for us to return in the morning to discover he was no longer there, so for us, we feel he was kidnapped, because his whereabouts are still unknown to us.
“So how can it be that the one we brought before your facility was kidnapped from your facility? No, he was not just kidnapped. There is evidence of him being brutalised because we could see the injuries he sustained, and for us, he has a broken arm,” he said.
In response, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle confirmed that two petitions, alleging document forgery and cyberbullying, were filed against Sowore. He said the allegations were formally presented in the presence of Sowore’s lawyers, and that his detention followed due process.
He added the case is unrelated to Sowore’s political or human rights activities, and that he remains in safe custody with legal access.
His words: “Two petitions against Omoyele Sowore were shown to him in the presence of his two lawyers, one bordered on forgery, forgery of police documents, which he published online. And we all know the law’s position. It is your duty to provide the source or explain how you obtained the documents. Then the second petition has to do with cyberbullying, regarding a false allegation.
The petitions were shown to him in the presence of the two lawyers, but the issue is that he refused to make statements in the presence of his lawyers. It is on record.
“He refused to make a written statement. The procedure under Nigerian law is very clear. When an allegation is made against you, you are called upon. You have a duty to put down your own position. If you cannot write, it is not compulsory that you write in English. If you cannot write, somebody will write for you and read and interpret for you, and you sign.”
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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