Politics
Sowore Condemns Tinubu’s Regime as 75 Protesters Face Treason Trial, Including Minors
Human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has raised concerns over the looming prosecution of 75 Nigerians, including minors, linked to the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, on charges of treason.
In a statement, Sowore criticized what he referred to as the “sadistic regime” of President Tpain (Tinubu), condemning the unjust detention of these individuals, many of whom have already spent 80 days behind bars.
The case is set to be heard before Justice Egwuatu on November 1, 2024.
Sowore, a fierce critic of the Nigerian government, called the upcoming trial a “sham” orchestrated to silence the voices of those who speak out against corruption and injustice in the country.
He highlighted that several of those awaiting trial are minors, adding to the gravity of the situation.
“These individuals have been unjustly incarcerated for over two months without due process,” Sowore emphasized.
“Many of them are young people who joined the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, exercising their right to demand accountability, yet they are being treated as criminals.”
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, a broader extension of the #EndSARS protests that rocked Nigeria in 2020, has been calling for comprehensive reform in governance and an end to widespread corruption.
Initially sparked by demands to dismantle the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the movement has grown into a nationwide outcry against systemic failures in leadership, police brutality, economic hardship, and lack of transparency.
These demonstrations have been met with heavy-handed responses from security forces, and several protesters have faced arrest and detention without trial.
Sowore’s statement paints a grim picture of the state’s response to activism.
He has long been an advocate for civil liberties and was himself arrested multiple times for leading protests and speaking out against the government.
In his recent remarks, Sowore urged the international community to pay close attention to the unfolding events, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk of being completely eroded.
“We are witnessing the erosion of civil rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
When peaceful protesters, including minors, are thrown into detention and charged with treason, it’s a clear signal that the government is threatened by the people’s demand for change,” he said.
As the court date approaches, there has been growing concern among civil society groups, activists, and international observers over the fairness of the trial.
Many fear that the charges of treason, a grave offence that can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment, are being used as a tool to intimidate and suppress dissent.
Justice Egwuatu, who is set to preside over the case, is expected to play a key role in determining the fate of the accused.
His rulings in previous high-profile cases have been scrutinized, and this trial is no exception.
Given the high stakes, activists are calling for transparency and due process, stressing that the outcome of this trial could set a dangerous precedent for how peaceful protests and dissent are handled in Nigeria.
The defendants’ legal teams are preparing for what they anticipate will be a politically charged trial.
Several human rights organizations, both local and international, have vowed to closely monitor the proceedings.
Sowore concluded his statement by calling on Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain resilient in their fight for justice.
“This is not just about 75 individuals; it’s about the future of Nigeria. The world must stand with us against tyranny,” he said.
As tensions rise and the country watches closely, the trial on November 1 is expected to ignite further debate on the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria under the current administration.
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement, far from being silenced, continues to inspire protests and calls for change across the country.
Media personality Dele Momodu reacts and shares his thoughts regarding First Lady Remi Tinubu interrupting the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, during a recent event.
The event was the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. In the scene, while Governor Adeleke was giving a speech, he began with a worship song. But while singing, the First Lady stood up and met him to inform him to stop singing and go directly to his speech instead.
Media personality Dele then reacted and questioned why she would do something like that, asking if she would have done the same kind of interruption if it were the recitation of the Qur’an.
First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has shared that she has forgiven those who betrayed her husband during the 2023 general elections.
She revealed this as she marked a new age, reflecting on what the future holds. She emphasized that she holds no grudge against anyone.
“I do not have anything against anyone. The question is how I stopped feeling the betrayal? I knew the grace factor was evident, and the Holy Spirit continually comforted me. I chose never to avenge myself, understanding that it is God’s prerogative. Mine is to thank Him for fighting for us. If God decides to fight your battles and you have won, is there anything else that God missed and you wanted to fix? Nothing. So, let it go.”
Paul Ibe, spokesperson to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of laying the groundwork to manipulate the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a YouTube interview, Ibe alleged that the ruling party, led by President Bola Tinubu, has run out of achievements to show after more than two years in office. This has resorted to silencing opposition voices and critical institutions.
According to him, APC is working to weaken independent media, civil society groups, and political opponents. They insists that the clampdown is part of a wider strategy to retain power.
“They have nothing to offer after two years of holding on to the mandate,” Ibe said. “The only way left for them is to start preparing to rig, and the process is already in motion.”
Additionally, he went on to describe Nigeria’s current political climate as a drift into dictatorship, recalling the heavy price paid by activists who fought for democracy in the past.
“The democracy we’ve had since 1999 came at a huge sacrifice. Many lives were lost in the struggle,” he said. “Those heroes would be turning in their graves to see what is happening now. People like Sowore are being harassed and intimidated, and that shows where we are heading.”
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