- Safiu Kehinde
Social Activist and Peter Obi’s loyalist, Moses Paul, has again slammed fellow activist, Omoyele Sowore, accusing him of choosing to see embattled Human Rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, rot in jail rather than supporting efforts aimed at securing his freedom.
Paul made the accusation in a statement on his X handle on Wednesday while faulting Sowore’s attribution of Farotimi’s bail refusal by the Ekiti state Magistrate court to Peter Obi’s plea with Chief Afe Babalola over the release of the lawyer.
NPO reported that Farotimi’s bail application over the ongoing defamation suit against him was rejected on Tuesday by the Magistrate who adjourned the hearing of the application till December 20th.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Sowore had in a post on his X handle accused the court of attempting to humiliate Farotimi and make him beg just as Peter Obi had begged for his release.
In his response, Paul stated that Sowore’s reaction is counterproductive and unexpected from someone aspiring to lead Nigeria while undermining the credibility and the seriousness of activism.
Accusing Sowore of making mockery of Peter Obi, Paul said the actions of the Sahara Reporter publisher does not suggest he wished Farotimi well.
“Mr. Omoyele Sowore, my friend and brother, making statements like claiming that intervention efforts by Mr. Peter Obi are the reason certain deliverables or bail conditions for are delayed is counterproductive—even in jest.
“Such remarks, especially from someone aspiring to lead Nigeria, undermine credibility and the seriousness of activism. Bail conditions were never discussed- I was there in person. Mr. Peter Obi didn’t go alone.
“Soon, you will claim it was Mr. Peter Obi who brought him from Lagos to Ekiti or that Peter Obi is responsible for Yahaya Bello going to prison. Anyone who desires to be taken seriously by the people must exhibit responsibility, maturity, and clarity of purpose.
“Frankly, your approach suggests that you do not wish Mr Dele Farotimi well. It gives the impression that you would rather see him rot in jail than support efforts aimed at securing his freedom.
“It is deeply concerning that behaviors unbecoming of those who seek to influence positive change are making a mockery of our collective efforts.
“They are causing the older generation to lose respect for the younger ones while perpetuating the notion that our generation lacks direction, maturity, and vision.” Paul wrote.
He further harped on the need to set higher standards for activism while stressing that Obi’s solicitation sought to rewrite narrative with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a genuine desire for progress.
“It is imperative to draw clear lines and set higher standards for activism because the current trajectory risks turning us into a joke as a people.
“This is precisely why many have come to believe that activism has been reduced to a business venture or a pursuit of personal gain, rather than a genuine fight for justice and societal progress.
“Reckless and unguided actions, including orchestrating protests without strategy or direction, contribute to this unfortunate perception. Such conduct fosters chaos and undermines the credibility of the activist community.
“Mr. Peter Obi‘s intervention, however, demonstrates a different approach—one that seeks to rewrite the narrative with thoughtfulness, purpose, and a genuine desire for progress.
“His actions bring clarity and dignity to a situation clouded by unnecessary noise.” Paul added.