Detention of Dele Farotimi: A Dark Stain on Nigeria's Democracy , Atiku

Detention of Dele Farotimi: A Dark Stain on Nigeria's Democracy , Atiku 

The detention of human rights lawyer and advocate Dele Farotimi has sparked widespread outrage, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the move as a blatant attack on freedom of expression and democracy. Farotimi, prosecuted before a chief magistrate's court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, allegedly defamed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola.

Atiku emphasized that Farotimi's incarceration stems from his unwavering commitment to exposing truths the government would rather keep hidden. In a statement released on International Human Rights Day, Atiku highlighted the pervasive climate of impunity and rights violations in Nigeria. He criticized the prosecution under a non-existent cyberbullying law in Ekiti State, labeling it a grave injustice and violation of constitutional rights.

Nigeria's cyberbullying laws, primarily governed by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, and Enforcement) Act of 2015, prohibit online harassment and intimidation. Section 24 of the Act stipulates penalties for sending offensive or false messages, including fines and imprisonment. However, Atiku argued that Farotimi's case demonstrates the law's weaponization to silence critics.

The misuse of cyberbullying laws to target dissenting voices, including opposition and press, raises concerns about democracy's resilience. This trend threatens the fundamental rights of Nigerians, undermining the country's democratic foundations. The failure to address rights abuses perpetuates Nigeria's climate of impunity, eroding trust in institutions.

Atiku urged Nigerian leaders to recommit to protecting citizens' rights, stressing that democracy's strength hinges on upholding constitutional guarantees. "Let us remind our leaders that the protection and upholding of constitutionally enshrined rights are fundamental to nurturing and strengthening our democracy. This commitment must not waver," he stated.

Farotimi's ordeal has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates and civil society groups, who view his case as emblematic of Nigeria's democracy and rule of law challenges. The international community will closely scrutinize Nigeria's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as this situation unfolds.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain's statement emphasized the imperative of safeguarding democratic principles: "The weaponization of the cyberbullying law to harass, intimidate, and silence opposition voices and journalists is alarming. It is a blatant attack on freedom of expression and the principles of democracy."