The Rivers State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the revocation of the bail granted to its presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, and his subsequent remand, describing the development as a politically motivated attempt to suppress opposition voices.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party expressed what it described as “deep distress” over the court-ordered remand of the activist and former presidential candidate, alleging that the action forms part of a broader pattern of intimidation, repression and judicial harassment targeted at critics of the government.
The statement followed the decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja to revoke Sowore’s bail and order his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his application challenging the bail revocation.
The AAC Rivers chapter maintained that Sowore had consistently exercised his constitutional rights as a political leader, human rights advocate and public commentator.
“Comrade Omoyele Sowore is a prominent human rights activist, political leader and revolutionary socialist who has steadfastly exercised his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and press as guaranteed under the Constitution,” the statement said.
The party argued that any action perceived as undermining those rights constituted a threat to democratic governance and the rule of law.
According to the AAC, the recent developments raise concerns about the protection of civil liberties and the independence of democratic institutions in the country.
The party further criticised what it described as the growing use of judicial processes and law enforcement agencies against opposition figures and activists, warning that such actions could weaken democratic participation and discourage dissenting voices.
“It can never be an acceptable practice in a modern democracy to use judicial processes and law enforcement agencies to decimate opposition voices and activists,” the statement added.
The Rivers chapter of the AAC contended that democracy flourishes when citizens are free to express alternative viewpoints and hold those in authority accountable without fear of intimidation or persecution.
The party also linked the developments surrounding Sowore’s case to wider public dissatisfaction over governance issues, including insecurity, economic hardship, banditry and terrorism.
“We are deeply shaken by the reported revocation of admission to bail and arrest of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, which we believe is part of a grand scheme designed to silence opposition voices,” the statement said.
Reaffirming its support for the activist, the party declared its solidarity with Sowore and pledged to continue advocating for the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.
The AAC Rivers chapter stressed that any attempt to undermine such rights would be resisted through lawful and democratic means.
The statement concluded with a renewed call for a society founded on justice, fairness, equity and democratic principles, while reiterating the party’s belief that active political opposition and civic engagement remain essential components of a healthy democracy.
Sowore, a former presidential candidate and publisher, remains a prominent opposition figure and has frequently criticised government policies and actions through public advocacy and social media commentary.
His ongoing legal battle has continued to generate national debate on issues relating to free speech, political dissent and the role of security agencies in democratic governance.
A copy of the press statement sighted by Africa Update reads: PRESS STATEMENT
AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) RIVERS STATE CHAPTER EXPRESSES DEEP DISTRESS OVER THE REVOCATION OF ADMISSION TO BAIL AND SUBSEQUENT ARREST OF OMOYELE SOWORE.
The office of the Rivers State Chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) strongly denounces the revocation of admission to bail previously granted to our presidential candidate Comrade Omoyele Sowore and the consequent order for his arrest. We explicitly condemn the incipient rise in the politically motivated repression, intimidation, manhandling, and judicial harassment targeted at Comrade Omoyele Sowore.
Comrade Omoyele Sowore is a prominent human rights activist, political leader and a revolutionary socialist who has steadfastly exercised his constitutional rights to his freedom of expression and press as guaranteed under Chapter 4, Section 39 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). As such, any conduct that compromises his freedom, dignity to his life or seeks to bully him for his political views is an affront to his rights and the rule of law as guaranteed in the Constitution.
We are not only appalled but also ashamed of the recent developments bordering on the arrant disregard of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which is our grundnum. The rule of law and respect for individual liberty have hence been thrown to the back burner and democratic institutions now suffer the brunt of this incipient rascality.
It can never be an acceptable modus operandi for a modern day democracy like ours to use judicial processes and law enforcement agents to decimate the opposition and activists, as democracy will only thrive where the hands of the opposition are not tied to their backs making them docile and impotent. The nurturing of democracy demands a free and unencumbered group of virile, active activists and opposition figures voicing alternative views and ways of driving the development vehicle of governance.
Nigeria should never be declassified into a nation where dissents to harmful policies of the ruling party gives rise to instant punishment and loyalty begets political appointments. The African Action Congress is one party that exists to build and safeguard a free, fair and open society. Our present day Nigeria is far from being such a society where individual liberty and freedom will be center stage of governance. Our presidential candidate Comrade Omoyele Sowore for the sake of many dissenting voices has become a hunted figure instead of being celebrated.
We are deeply shaken by the reported revocation of admission to bail and arrest of comrade Omoyele Sowore, which we believe is part of a grand scheme and planned strategy to mute the opposition. Indeed, these actions cannot be isolated from the growing air of public dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s poor performance in governance as it concerns insecurity, economic strangulation, banditry and terrorists impunity etc.
We are in total solidarity with Comrade Omoyele Sowore who stands for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political oppositions; rights which are constitutionally guaranteed to every Nigerian citizen. The slightest attempt to compromise any of these rights will be resisted lawfully by us all.
Our dream for a free, fair, just, equitable and democratic Nigeria can only be achieved when men and women who breathe and sleep with the above ideals rule Nigeria. With Comrade Omoyele Sowore at the helm, we will attain that glorious height. Solidarity forever. Revolution now!
Leave a comment