In a strongly worded statement, Dr. Sami Charles, Executive Chairman of the ANOG Group and a Gusi Peace Prize Laureate, has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the recent arrest of Barr Dele Fatomi, a prominent Nigerian nationalist and intellectual.
Describing Fatomi as “one of the finest modern thinkers of our time”, Dr. Charles decried the detention as a troubling step backward for Nigeria’s democratic principles. “Nigeria is not a draconian dictatorship and must not be seen or heard as such,” he stated, urging the administration of President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly to rectify the situation.
Bar Dele Fatomi, widely regarded as a beacon of hope for a progressive Nigeria, has been an outspoken advocate for the rights and well-being of Nigerians across all divides—tribal, religious, and ethnic. Dr. Charles, who has never met Fatomi personally, praised his impactful writings and influential podcasts, which have resonated with citizens yearning for a better future.
Dr. Charles emphasized that detentions of this nature threaten Nigeria’s democratic values and could lead to significant consequences for the nation. “I urge the government of Tinubu to immediately release Bar Fatomi and others detained under such circumstances,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
This statement adds to the growing international and domestic outcry over Fatomi’s arrest, spotlighting concerns over freedom of expression and human rights in Nigeria. Dr. Charles’s call for action reflects the sentiments of many who view Fatomi’s detention as a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s commitment to justice and democracy.
The arrest has also sparked wider debates on the shrinking space for civil discourse in Nigeria, with critics calling for greater tolerance for dissenting voices. As one of Nigeria’s most respected intellectuals, Fatomi’s detention has raised alarms about the direction of the nation under its current leadership.
The international community will be closely watching how the government responds, as voices like Dr. Charles’s amplify the call for justice and adherence to democratic norms.