Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, by the Nigeria Police.
“This reckless action is an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under our Constitution,” Frank said. “The arrest of Sowore is unjustifiable and signals a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in a country that claims to uphold democratic principles.”
Frank emphasized that in 2025, it is unacceptable that Nigerians continue to face harassment, intimidation, and detention for peacefully expressing dissent or calling for good governance. “The right to protest, assemble, and hold government accountable are pillars of any true democracy. Suppressing these rights through arbitrary arrests betrays the promises of democracy to the Nigerian people,” he said.
As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and relevant authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and all peaceful protesters detained across the country.
“Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights. Nigeria faces serious security, economic, and governance challenges that demand constructive engagement—not repression,” Frank said.
He criticized the government for diverting attention from national issues to silencing dissent, adding: “We are not under military rule; dissent is not a crime. Yet, under this administration, we are witnessing oppression, suppression of free speech, and intimidation of citizens. Arresting unarmed protesters is unacceptable and must stop.”
Frank also called on the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, and the international community—including the United States, European Union, and United Nations Human Rights Council—to intervene and pressure the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ rights.
He drew a contrast with international standards, noting: “In countries like the United States, citizens protested peacefully against leadership without fear of arrest or violence. That is true democracy. Nigeria, however, has become a nation where the government oppresses its people, while corruption and insecurity persist unchecked.”
Frank condemned the repression of journalists and opposition members, stating: “Press freedom no longer exists, and opposition figures are intimidated or coerced to join the ruling party. This administration has become worse than some past military regimes.”
He concluded by urging global actors, particularly the United States, to help Nigerians “rescue themselves from the hands of this oppressive administration.”
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