The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the release of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, following his detention over alleged cybercrime charges.
The Islamic human rights organisation also urged Sowore and other activists in the country to exercise caution in their public engagements, warning against statements capable of inflaming tensions or undermining civil discourse.
MURIC made its position known in a statement issued on Thursday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The group expressed concern over the continued detention of the former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, describing the development as troubling for Nigeria’s democratic image.
According to MURIC, while the rule of law must be respected and judicial processes allowed to take their course, the detention of outspoken critics and activists raises serious concerns about freedom of speech and democratic tolerance in the country.
The organisation noted that Sowore’s case has already generated widespread reactions across political and civil society circles, with many viewing the development through the lens of political suppression.
It reads: “Social critic and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, was ordered to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday over a case bordering on cybercrime.
“Sowore is being tried for allegedly referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a ‘criminal’.
“We are extremely saddened by this development. Locking up activists dents the image of Nigeria’s democracy and questions our respect for free speech.
“Yet we are constrained to acknowledge the limitations of the licence to freely express oneself in a democracy where one person’s freedom of speech stops where another’s right to the dignity of his person begins.
“While not encouraging interference in judicial processes, MURIC calls for the release of the activist.
“Sowore comes across as a young Nigerian soaked in the bath waters of patriotism. He should be carefully handled.
“As an opposition presidential candidate (African Action Congress, AAC), his ordeal is most likely to be interpreted as another attempt at political persecution.
“Long detention as well as judicial procrastination are the precursors of judicial rascality.
“Nonetheless, MURIC advises Sowore and other activists to avoid youthful exuberance, reckless pronouncements and dancing to the gallery.
“As activists, we can be radical yet rational. We can be articulate yet responsible.
“Also, as leaders we must realise that the young ones are watching us because they see us as models.
“Activists must therefore abide by the rules of decency and civility. Parliamentary language is the hallmark of maturity.
“Against the background of our culture as Africans, our activists must avoid vulgar language, indecorous behaviour and disrespectful demeanour.
“We can still make our points without appearing to be rude. The same wind that makes men button up so tight while women wrap themselves up to their necks can make them loosen up and yearn for fresh air.
“We button up and wrap up when the wind blows violently but we loosen up when the wind turns into a gentle breeze.”
