The #EndBadGovernance Movement in Lagos State has condemned the revocation of the bail granted to activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by Hassan Taiwo Soweto and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji on behalf of the organising committee of the movement, they described Sowore’s detention in Kuje prison as evidence of growing authoritarianism under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group further called for the immediate withdrawal of all criminal charges against Sowore and an end to what they described as a politically motivated trial.
“The #EndBadGovernance movement, Lagos State, strongly condemns the revocation of the bail of activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by Justice M.G. Umar and his detention in Kuje prisons.
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“We hereby demand the immediate withdrawal of all criminal charges against Omoyele Sowore and a halt to what is clearly and without doubt a politically-motivated trial,” they said.
The movement also criticised operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging that they attempted to remove Sowore from the courtroom contrary to a court order remanding him in prison custody.
They described the action as “another evidence of the murderous dictatorship the Tinubu regime has become.”
The group further questioned the impartiality of Justice M.G. Umar, who is presiding over the case, arguing that concerns had been raised about the judge’s conduct during the trial.
“It is our opinion that Justice M.G. Umar’s conduct throughout the ongoing trial of Omoyele Sowore raises serious concerns regarding judicial impartiality and respect for due process.
“When a judge has become the subject of widespread allegations of bias and his courtroom an avenue for reckless trampling on citizens’ rights, including members of the bar, the appropriate and honourable thing is for such a judge to recuse himself. Justice is impossible where a judge’s impartiality is evidently compromised,” they alleged.
The movement called on the National Judicial Council to direct the judge to step aside from the case.
“To this extent, we call on the National Judicial Council to direct Justice M.G. Umar to step aside from the handling of this matter in the interest of justice,” they said.
The group also warned that continued attacks on democratic rights and the persecution of activists could trigger wider public protests.
“In conclusion, we would like to warn that continued attacks on democratic rights and persecution of activists cannot stop the Nigerian people from rising up to demand a change in the way the country is run.
“It is only a matter of time before the rising anger and frustration felt by millions of Nigerians explodes onto the street in mass protests and demonstrations,” they added.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X