Ezekwesili spews fire, demands explanation on Dele Farotimi handcuffing
Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has expressed anger over what she called a “reckless desecration” of public institutions under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, warning that such actions will not be tolerated.
In a post shared on her X handle on Monday, Ezekwesili specifically addressed the controversial handcuffing of human rights activist Dele Farotimi during his court trial in Ekiti State.
She called on Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, to provide an explanation for the decision to present Farotimi in handcuffs while escorted by police officers. Ezekwesili further emphasized that those advocating for violations of Farotimi’s constitutional rights should reconsider their stance.
“So the gross absurdity of handcuffing @DeleFarotimi was lost on the Prisons Service? She queried.
“What crime is the @NigeriaGov @PoliceNG really prosecuting @DeleFarotimi for at this stage, because how did a civil matter between Dele Farotimi and Chief Babalola morph into the strongest evidence of why Citizens now sadly lack trust in and believe that our Judiciary is fully captured by Nigeria’s irresponsible political class?
“This reckless desecration of all public institutions under this administration of @officialABAT will not be sustained. Never.
“The Minister of Interior- Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo @BTOofficial who is in charge of @CorrectionsNg – The Prisons – has to explain the basis of those handcuffs on Mr Farotimi and immediately take steps to correct repeat of such anomaly by overzealous officers.
“Those pushing this gross violation of Citizen-Farotimi’s constitutional rights should advise themselves now and cease pushing forward the shenanigans playing out on this matter. Enough is Enough!
“Stop assaulting the sensibilities of Nigerians any further. Let the 2 citizens involved in this matter engage the courts using appropriate judicial processes for addressing allegations of Defamation.
“Wisdom is profitable to direct.
“Therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding as the book of Proverbs advises the young and the old alike, Ezekwesili said.
The handcuffing of Farotimi, which sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, came after his arrest in Lagos by officers from the Ekiti State Police Command.
His arrest followed a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
