TUE JUNE 23 2026-theGBJournal| Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday raised concerns over the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore in Kuje Correctional Centre, urging authorities to safeguard constitutional rights and ensure the impartial administration of justice.
In a statement, Obi said a thriving democracy does not survive on the silencing of opposing voices; rather, it is anchored on the robust protection of fundamental human rights, most notably the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in our Constitution.
”Moreover, our society is already strained by insecurity and biting economic hardship; therefore, deliberate steps should be taken, even by the courts, to avoid inflaming the situation.”
He stressed that the judiciary remains the ultimate arbiter of justice, and urged that authorities must consistently guard against any trend that gives the appearance of state institutions being weaponised to systematically stifle dissent, muzzle the press, or shrink the legitimate space for civic engagement in Nigeria.
According to Obi: ”When we begin to treat citizen critics, activists, and journalists as threats to state survival rather than as partners in building accountability, we signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
Our current challenges, ranging from economic strain to internal security vulnerabilities, require inclusive dialogue and cohesive nation-building, not the incarceration of those who demand a better society.”
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law is strictly adhered to, that Mr. Sowore’s constitutional rights are fully protected, and that our security and judicial institutions are used solely for the impartial administration of justice.
”We cannot build a New Nigeria if we continue to undermine the very democratic structures meant to protect us all.”
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