Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, has made it clear that he will not be silenced, regardless of the challenges he faces. The activist recently responded to a court order requiring him to submit his international passport as part of the bail conditions in a cybercrime case. The case was filed by the Nigerian police after Sowore called the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, an “illegal IGP.”
Speaking out on his X platform, Sowore assured his supporters that no one could intimidate him or make him disappear. He emphasized that his fight for the welfare of Nigerians is not motivated by political calculations or upcoming elections but by a deep conviction to address the injustices in the country. He made it clear that he does not share the same self-serving activism as some politicians, such as Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai, who only speak up when it suits their political interests.
Sowore’s remarks come after a court hearing where the judge granted him bail but set complex conditions. Sowore mentioned that his lawyers are working through these conditions, but his commitment to holding the government accountable remains firm. He stated that, despite the police’s interest in his passport, he would continue to speak out for justice.
“We are not emergency activists,” he said. “We do this as a matter of conviction. Our actions are not tied to election cycles or political agendas. We are committed to ensuring the people’s welfare is prioritized.”
Sowore further stressed that even though the police have asked for his passport, his voice will not be stifled. “You can take away my passport, but you can’t take away my right. You can’t shut me up; you can’t make me disappear,” he concluded.
This statement has sparked conversations about the state of activism in Nigeria and the importance of standing firm for justice. Sowore’s continued resistance is a reminder of the power of speaking truth to power, even when faced with harsh consequences.