Timi Frank Condemns Sowore’s Arrest, Calls for His Immediate and Unconditional Release

Comrade Timi Frank, the former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has denounced the Nigeria Police’s illegitimate arrest and detention of Omoyele Sowore, a pro-democracy campaigner and human rights activist.

“The arrest of the activist is not only unjustifiable, but it also represents a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism in a country that claims to operate under democratic principles,” Frank said in a press statement on Friday.

In a statement released in Abuja, Frank stated, “We strongly condemn this reckless action as an assault on democracy, freedom of speech, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution.”

“Sowore’s arrest is not only unjustified, but it also marks a risky turn toward authoritarianism in a nation that professes to uphold democratic values.”

He said it is intolerable that Nigerians are still being harassed, threatened, and imprisoned in 2025 for peacefully voicing divergent views or demanding improved governance.

He asserted that “the fundamental pillars of any true democracy are the right to protest, to assemble, and to hold the government accountable.” “The democratic promises made to the Nigerian people are betrayed when these rights are suppressed through arbitrary arrests and intimidation.”

Frank urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and all other pertinent authorities to immediately and unconditionally free Sowore and other peaceful protesters detained in Abuja and throughout the nation. Frank is the ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to East Africa and the Middle East.

“Tinubu’s government must put an end to the culture of intimidation and fear in order to show its dedication to the rule of law and respect for human rights.

“There are significant security, economic, and governance issues facing Nigeria right now that call for constructive engagement rather than repression,” he stated.

Instead of stifling dissenting views, he asked the government to concentrate its efforts on solving urgent national challenges.

“In a democratic era like this, it is unacceptable for this administration to intimidate and oppress citizens,” he stated.

“We do not live under military rule, where it is illegal to disagree. Nigeria is said to be practicing democracy in this country.

However, despotism, oppression, and the repression of free expression are all occurring under this leadership.

Because of this, neither Nigeria nor this government can be taken seriously by the world community.

“The nation has a lot of major security problems. We anticipate that our security forces would focus their efforts on apprehending criminals, bandits, and Boko Haram members rather than defenseless civilians peacefully demonstrating against poor government.

“No one would criticize or take to the streets if the administration were acting morally and fulfilling its campaign pledges to Nigerians.

“It is completely wrong and needs to stop when unarmed citizens are arrested during protests.”

He urged the international community, including the US government, the EU, and the UN Human Rights Council, as well as civil society organizations and the National Human Rights Commission, to step in and pressure the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of its people.

“We recently witnessed the large-scale demonstrations against Donald Trump’s administration in America and other countries,” he remarked.

However, neither Trump nor the US government have ever detained or used tear gas on nonviolent demonstrators.

That is the hallmark of a genuine democracy. Genuine leaders, such as Trump in that case, are aware that people have the right to voice their disapproval of their government.

Today, Nigeria is a nation where the government represses its people. This government has become autocratic and tyrannical.

Instead of combating corruption, they concentrate on scaring individuals as insecurity wreaks havoc over the country.

“Those that plunder the nation are rewarded under this administration. They harass, threaten, and detain nonviolent demonstrators while negotiating with bandits and criminals.

Journalists are experiencing the same issue. There is no press freedom for journalists in Nigeria today. Compared to certain previous military regimes, this administration is currently worse.

Additionally, they harass and persecute opposing party members, threatening to arrest and prosecute them unless they join their party.

“We are taking this opportunity to appeal to the international community, particularly the United States government, to assist in rescuing Nigerians from this administration’s grasp.”