Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the harassment of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Speaking via a statement, he claimed that Sowore was harassed by the Department of State Services (DSS) and presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
He also condemned the arrest of some journalists within one week, arguing that such a move impacts Nigeria’s human right index.
The statement said, “The ongoing harassment of Omoyele Sowore by the DSS, alongside comments from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, is an issue President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should clearly dissociate himself from.
“In his address to the joint session of the National Assembly in June, the President himself said he does not care about what people say about him. Silently allowing this harassment to continue now is double speak.
“This silence is concerning given the pattern of intimidation of journalists in the country. That is why the President’s leadership is urgently needed, and he must give a clear directive that such actions stop immediately.
“The continued harassment of journalists across the country will harm Nigeria’s human rights index in the eyes of the international community if nothing is done.
“In recent weeks, Sodeeq Atanda was detained after reporting on sexual harassment allegations against Abayomi Fasina, the Vice Chancellor of FUOYE, while Hassan Yelwa was arrested by the police while covering the Shiite Maulid procession in Abuja.
“These actions are unlawful and deeply condemnable. The protection of free speech is not optional.”
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