Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and human rights activist, by the Nigerian police.
Atiku alleged that the arrest is an attempt to intimidate and harass citizens, particularly those who oppose the regime and the press, to pave the way for the establishment of a one-party state.
Truth Live News had earlier reported that Farotimi was arrested over a defamation petition by senior lawyer Afe Babalola.
In response, Atiku stated that the arrest serves as a grim reminder of the dark days of military dictatorship, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu’s administration should be aware that such acts stand in direct contradiction to the principles of democracy.
Atiku argued that defamation is not a criminal offense that warrants police intervention, citing his own experience with defamation in 2019, where he sought redress in court rather than involving law enforcement.
The concept of a one-party state, where a single political party controls the government, has been criticized for its poor human rights record and limitations on economic progress.