Farotimi: Manipulation of Institutions, Threat to Democracy – Reps LP Caucus
ByJuliet Vincent
The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has stated that democracy is under threat when democratic institutions are manipulated against the people by highly placed individuals.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Caucus Leader, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene on Thursday.
He therefore called for fair hearing and neutrality in the case of alleged defamation case instituted against human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi by Chief Afe Babalola SAN.
The Caucus expressed concerns over the growing trend of anti-democratic activities and developments that undermine Nigeria’s civil governance citing the recent arrest and imprisonment of Barrister Farotimi over alleged defamation.
According to the lawmakers, the manner the embattled lawyer was arrested in a gestapo style from his office in Lagos state, and the harassment of members of staff of his law office, was a thing of concern about the erosion of democratic principles and the silencing of dissenting voices in Nigeria.
The statement added, “The judiciary remains the last bastion of hope for all citizens in a democratic society, as such, it is imperative that the judiciary upholds the principles of impartiality and neutrality at all times, regardless of the social status or connections of any party involved in a dispute before it.
“The Labour Party Caucus is committed to upholding the values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and in this regard we call on the authorities involved in this controversial case to ensure that Barrister Farotimi’s rights and privileges are not denied.
“We also demand that the embattled lawyer be given fair hearing, and not made to suffer from any manipulated processes, as was alleged by him in a statement before his forceful arrest and subsequent imprisonment.”
It could be recalled according to the LP Caucus that, Barrister Farotimi had previously alleged in a press conference that a court process was initiated against him without his knowledge and that a bench warrant was issued for his arrest, ostensibly for failing to appear in court.
Farotimi maintained that these actions were part of a deliberate and fraudulent scheme to manipulate the judicial process, ultimately leading to his arrest and imprisonment.
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), had condemned the development, adding that “These actions constitute a troubling breach of the rule of law and the sanctity of the legal profession.”