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Realdeals:
Detained social activist, publisher and politician, Omoyele Sowore, has spoken out from the custody of the State Security Service, telling PREMIUM TIMES he is being held as part of a grand scheme by the Buhari administration to shut down Nigeria’s civic space.

Mr Sowore called a PREMIUM TIMES’ reporter on Thursday afternoon, in a rare move to directly send out a message to the public.

It was a message of courage, defiance and hope for both his teeming supporters and the Nigerian downtrodden people.

The Sahara Reporters’ publisher said he would remain undeterred by the controversial tactics of the current government, which have seen him held in perpetual custody against the order of a federal judge.

Mr Sowore, a former student union activist who confronted military regimes and went to jail for it, was arrested in August in connection with his #RevolutionNow campaign — a series of nationwide protests he had planned with other activists to demand a better Nigeria.
The protests were planned to commence on August 5 across 21 towns and cities, with public awareness escalating as the day drew closer.

But suddenly on August 3, armed SSS officers broke into an apartment Mr Sowore was occupying with some of his closest associates in Lagos. He was taken away in the midnight raid that was captured by security cameras.
The arrest elicited outrage from Nigerians, with many slamming the SSS’ brutal tactics as yet another state-sponsored violence against unarmed citizens.

Members of the movement also warned that Mr Sowore’s detention — which they deemed illegal and unwarranted — would bolster rather than dampen a wave of resistance to decades of bad governance that many believed had worsened under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Grand plot thwarted
Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES from custody, Mr Sowore said the demand for his sureties was an attempt to intimidate them into pulling out.

“Their aim is to intimidate my sureties by subjecting them to undue maltreatment,” Mr Sowore said. “It is part of a grand plot to hold me hostage because they have failed to find anything illegal to pin on me.”

“But we know what they want to do and we will not allow it to happen,” he added.

Although the SSS has repeatedly asserted its respect for the Nigerian judicial and the rule of law in general, the agency has a history of repression, violation of citizens’ rights and disobedience of court decisions.

SSS was the agency at the heart of most allegations of attacks on Nigerians during the brutal military eras of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha. Several Nigerians were jailed, physically attacked or killed as Mr Abacha moved to clear all obstacles to his authoritarian regime.

Despite attempts to reform the agency as Nigeria attained democracy in 1999, critics say the SSS, founded in 1986, has remained wedded to its brutal and anti-democratic past.

Hale, hearty
Mr Sowore lamented that he had “not seen sunshine since he was detained except when taken to court.” Only three people have been allowed to see him since August 3, which includes his lawyers and the person responsible for his feeding.

Even though Mr Sowore said he cannot wait to reunite with his associates and loved ones, he said he had come to a fresh realisation that the SSS would continue to disregard court pronouncements and would not release him anytime soon.

“Last night, they gave us phones and cable TV,” Mr Sowore said. “This indicates that they have no intention of complying with court orders to release me anytime soon.’’

Mr Sowore said he will continue to fight for the downtrodden, and wanted the world to know that the Buhari administration has been stifling civil liberties in Nigeria.

“The world should know that I remain unbroken and in high spirits,” Mr Sowore said. “I will continue to fight for the Nigerian people, ensure that the people are not shortchanged and corruption is driven underground.”

“I will continue to stand up for the downtrodden,” he said.

Mr Sowore said all those who support him should not be discouraged because the masses will prevail in the battle against anti-democratic forces.

“The ultimate mission is to intimidate all critical voices and shut down the nation’s civic space,” Mr Sowore said. “But this will not happen and we shall overcome.”

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/363012-sowore-speaks-from-custody-says-buhari-out-to-destroy-civic-space.html

For sowores mind he is Nnamdi kanu or Jesus of Nazareth abi. Enjoy your many more years in custody as dem don samma you with Cable TV and phones. Na till further notice bi dat.

What if d table turns and God almighty makes Mr Sowore the president of this country, hope those supporting PMB will be happy if Sowore decides to oppress him, his family and friends?? Why not release him for Christ sake. Buhari disappoint people like me sha, i never thought Nigeria would be this crazy under his watch. Pathetic.

Realdeals:
I have said it several times it is difficult to fight a man whose conviction for a struggle is based on a failed system, Sowore requires No Pity.

At least he has courage and conviction... What can be said of you, hiding and typing what you like from the comfort of anonymity??!...

Don't you worry, soon it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for you to even hide and type freely... Hand go meet everyone las las.

chriskosherbal:
We are in for a long ride in this country ...God help us.

Amen


www.nairaland.com/attachments/4160988_image_jpeg_jpeg6f95b5e7a24ad4fc0808d6698fd37362


www.nairaland.com/attachments/4160987_image_jpeg_jpeg6f95b5e7a24ad4fc0808d6698fd37362

bewla:
U better quite be for we add another count charge

You can only add it on Nairaland. Posterity will NOT forget Buhari's impunity, contempt to court order and how is using the agencies paid with tax payers money to punish Nigerians. God is watching.

agbangam:
What if d table turns and God almighty makes Mr Sowore the president of this country, hope those supporting PMB will be happy if Sowore decides to oppress him, his family and friends??
Why not release him for Christ sake. Buhari disappoint people like me sha, i never thought Nigeria would be this crazy under his watch. Pathetic.

www.nairaland.com/attachments/2091052_2084712obama4jpeg0846bececdee51cd258847b713b916e6_jpegd27f893bccf38657d36ce7d37daaa943

Lovelife433:
u never see any tin mr fighter by the time baba is true with u, u go call ur wife bob risky.

You have not said anything reasonable

bewla:
U better quite be for we add another count charge

Your likes deserve the Nigeria of today. So be it for you

Abdulhakeem7:
You can only add it on Nairaland. Posterity will NOT forget Buhari's impunity, contempt to court order and how is using the agencies paid with tax payers money to punish Nigerians. God is watching.

God will continue to watch Sowore in the den of DSS till after Christmas.

If they ask Buhari, he will say, "I am not the one na. Shebi it is DSS that is detaining Sowore. It is not me to."

;DBuhari dont want freedom of speech in nigeria changing all rule will borrow someone quote god is watching you

Spots on! The redundant coupist is all shades of tyranny and GROSS mis-rule!

itu404:
Of Course, this has always been sowore gameplan to been seen and heard as a political prisoner, but when the chips are down you are just another nigerian politician. Don't trust him one bit.

Please stop being myopic! Do you know what it means to be incarcerated ? You should at least try to have a full grasp of the truth before castigating the guy. Except you’re one of the enemies of this country.

omenka:
Sowore, but you were out to destroy and remove a democratically and constitutionally established government.

Much as i admire your deggedness and courage, you must be held accountable for your actions as well.

When asked if you were calling for protests, you reiterated you were calling for a REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT AND NOT JUST ANY PROTEST. How could you call for the removal of a government duly elected in a process in which you ALSO participated, and even endorsed?

Come on, even the US government wont tolerate that. It is called treason. As we speak, the US president is calling a legitimate WHistle Blower legally protected by their constitution, an enemy of state guilty of treason! What the guy reported has been corroborated even by employees of the president himself.

So, forget all that. You surely will be out of there. But I simply cant tell when.

And this trash u typed justifies PMB refusal to obey court order

Realdeals:
I have said it several times it is difficult to fight a man whose conviction for a struggle is based on a failed system, Sowore requires No Pity.

Nobody is pitying him.

Fountainofyouth:



How will a protest destroy and remove a dictatorially democratic and constitutionally corrupt government

Are you sure you watched the video where he was asked about his intentions by some reporters? He blurted verbatim that he was calling for a REMOVAL of the government and not just protests.

That is what landed him in trouble.

People protest just about everyday in the country and are mostly met with overzealous policemen. Havent you wondered why Sowore's case is different?

He called for an overthrow and not just any protest. He admitted that much with his own tongue.

bewla:
U better quite be for we add another count charge

You are a complete fool. Go and add another charge now.

Bobbyfreshh:


And this trash u typed justifies PMB refusal to obey court order

I don't talk to kids.

Bye.

2face was wise ,even when nigerians called him coward.He stopped the planned protest. He would hv still been in detention till date.. Nigerians like to suffer.... And as many that voted bubu,may this same situation of the country be their .... I reserve my comment..Even when pdp is never an option,but there are other parties aside apc and pdp.. When una go wise??

landforeast:
You are through activist
A fight like this is not for children.
The only problem is that you are fighting for Youth "wey their head no dey road". They will rather leave you to rot in jail and struggle to have a selfie with Tacha.

Sad truth

lilwetdick:
sowore aka sowere is an idiot.

he is no freedom fighter, he is just disturbing the peace, nothing he says is relevant

this is the man that contested for election and lost woefully then wants a revolution because he didnt win

You are talking out of sense.

Abdulhakeem7:
You have not said anything reasonable

do i know u?

Fountainofyouth:
As much as I dislike this government and the calamity in Ask Rock/london, Sowore deserves all that is been done to him and much more, he is part of those that brought in this government so he should continue to eat the bitter food he cooked and served himself.

So now, Bubari is now biting the fingers that feed him?

omenka:
Sowore, but you were out to destroy and remove a democratically and constitutionally established government.

Much as i admire your deggedness and courage, you must be held accountable for your actions as well.

When asked if you were calling for protests, you reiterated you were calling for a REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT AND NOT JUST ANY PROTEST. How could you call for the removal of a government duly elected in a process in which you ALSO participated, and even endorsed?

Come on, even the US government wont tolerate that. It is called treason. As we speak, the US president is calling a legitimate WHistle Blower legally protected by their constitution, an enemy of state guilty of treason! What the guy reported has been corroborated even by employees of the president himself.

So, forget all that. You surely will be out of there. But I simply cant tell when.

So Despite two different courts ordering his release, he should be there till when God knows
And How do you remove a government with aluta chants and placards??

[s]

solmusdesigns:
Honestly Buhari is going about things in a worrisome way

[/s]

omenka:
Sowore, but you were out to destroy and remove a democratically and constitutionally established government.

Much as i admire your deggedness and courage, you must be held accountable for your actions as well.

When asked if you were calling for protests, you reiterated you were calling for a REMOVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT AND NOT JUST ANY PROTEST. How could you call for the removal of a government duly elected in a process in which you ALSO participated, and even endorsed?

Come on, even the US government wont tolerate that. It is called treason. As we speak, the US president is calling a legitimate WHistle Blower legally protected by their constitution, an enemy of state guilty of treason! What the guy reported has been corroborated even by employees of the president himself.

So, forget all that. You surely will be out of there. But I simply cant tell when.

You are talking in favor of a government that doesn't obey the rule of law.

He that killed by sword die by the sword you killed PDP government by the press of Sahara reporter so bear the pain .

Lol I laugh wen u supported a dictator u think he is reformed well good he locked u up without Mercy and whosoever voted dis man it will not be well with such people

fatymore:
This guy no dey fear fear...even in detention, you still have mouth...


I dont know what Buhari is scared of if he releases this guy.

My able president, please follow court order.

Which court order?

Well, he hasn't destroyed it totally because you can still speak from detention. Wait till them throway the key and ur access to the media then we know say e don red.

Goodluck jonathan you said it all may God bless you where ever you are,you said we will miss you,your right jonathan,sowore enjoy your change