The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has once again spoken out against the arrest of human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, as well as the Ekiti State police’s prohibition of a planned peaceful protest on December 10.
The movement warned that suppressing civic freedoms is unacceptable, emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
TIB South-West Coordinator, Comrade Netufo Tomide, released a statement on Friday condemning the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi as a direct affront to Nigerians’ constitutional rights. Tomide described the detention as an effort to silence dissent and suppress the fundamental freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, highlighting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble and associate peacefully.
“The government’s actions are unconstitutional and a direct attack on democracy. Peaceful protests are a vital part of any democratic society, and attempting to stifle this right undermines the rule of law,” he said.
The statement read, “We reject the Ekiti State Police Command’s claims that Dele Farotimi’s arrest was lawful. The command’s actions are a clear violation of his fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.”
Tomide said that Section 39 of the Constitution states that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
“Furthermore, we assert that protest is a fundamental right in Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association.
“The Ekiti State Police Command’s ban on lawful gatherings and protests is an unconstitutional attempt to stifle dissenting voices and suppress the rights of citizens to express themselves freely.”
He said, “We, therefore, demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dele Farotimi. We also call on the Nigerian authorities to respect the rights of citizens to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”
“We stand in solidarity with Dele Farotimi and all those who are fighting for justice, equality and human rights in Nigeria,” Tomide added.
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