Sowore Demands Apology from Government After Treason Charges Dropped

In a recent interview with Arise Television, Nigerian activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, stated that he deserves an apology from the Nigerian government for his arrest and detention in 2019.

Sowore was apprehended and held by Nigeria’s intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS), in August 2019 for calling for a revolution under then-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The federal government has decided to discontinue the treason trial against prominent pro-democratic activist  and his co-defendant, Bakare Olawale Mandate.

The case was dropped with a Notice of Discontinuance stamped by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

The news comes as a relief to Sowore, who was previously arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS)

However, the government’s decision to drop the treason charges against him is a step forward in acknowledging the importance of free speech and the right to peaceful protest.

During the interview, Sowore expressed that he should not have to demand an apology, but rather, the Nigerian government should offer one to him.

Sowore emphasized that many Nigerians did not understand the context of the revolution until he led a protest to call for a revolution in 2019.

He aimed to achieve a complete system change in Nigeria, which had never happened in any other country.

The activist explained, “I actually was calling for revolution, and I never denied it. There’s only one form of revolution – a change that has never been seen before. In the life of any country, that’s what I was calling for.” He also noted that the protest went ahead across the country despite his arrest.

Sowore’s demand for an apology from the Nigerian government highlights the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and taking responsibility for actions.

As Nigeria continues to develop and evolve, it is crucial for the government to address the concerns of its citizens and work towards a more transparent and just society.

The case of Omoyele Sowore serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of activists and ensuring that their voices are heard.