FearlessInOctober: Movement condemns Sowore’s arrest, backs planned protest
A rights advocacy organization, Take It Back Movement has condemned the arrest of popular human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.
Sowore was arrested and briefly detained by the Service upon his arrival at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Sunday.
Sowore, who returned from the United States, was reportedly arrested over his investments in the August nationwide protests.
Reacting, Take It Back Movement in a statement issued on Monday by its Director of communications, Chidi Nwayanwu, expressed dismay over what it termed the continuous intimidation of Nigerian activists by the current administration.
The organization also said it is firmly in support of the planned nationwide protests against hardship and hunger tagged #FearlessInOctober.
The statement reads, “We strongly warn Tinubu’s regime to immediately halt the oppressive tactics against human rights activists and the Nigerian people.
“The government’s responsibility is to protest the rights and freedom of citizens, not to silence them through fear and intimidation.
“The Nigerian government must respect the rule of law and uphold democratic principles as we at the Take It Back Movement will continue to stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice and equality. And we remain committed to holding the government accountable for its actions.
“We call on all Nigerians to bravely stand up for their rights and not to be intimidated into silence. It is your constitutional right to express yourselves through legal means including peaceful protests.
“Take it back movement stands firmly in solidarity with all Nigerians who will be participating in the FearlessInOctober protest. Our collective efforts embody the resilience and determination of our people in the face of severe hunger and adversity.
“As we continue to fight for justice and equitable society, let our unified voices send a strong message that we will not be intimidated or silenced”.
