Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the alleged targeting of the social media account of Omoyele Sowore by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The secret police has formally petitioned social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to delete a post by Sowore, describing the content as a national security threat and a violation of Nigerian law.
In a statement on Sunday, Adeyanju described the action as “unacceptable” and an attack on democracy.
“The targeting of Omoyele Sowore’s account by the DSS is unacceptable and should be condemned. Every citizen has the right to freely share their opinions, even when those opinions do not align with those in authority. The use of state power to silence and intimidate individuals because of their views is an attack on the very freedoms that sustain a healthy democracy,” he said.
Adeyanju noted that Sowore has remained a victim of intolerant governments, yet continues to express his views with courage.
He stressed that Sowore, as a former presidential candidate, deserves respect for his commentaries on governance, regardless of how uncomfortable they may be for those in power.
