- Safiu Kehinde
A Nigerian Social Activist, Moses Paul, has written to fellow activist and 2023 Presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, over his condemnation of Peter Obi’s peace visit to Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) in connection to the ongoing legal tussle between the elder statesman and Human Rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.
Reacting in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Paul accused Sowore of deliberate target and criticism of Obi’s activities.
He said Obi’s visit to Afe Babalola and Farotimi was borne out of his effort to manage the situation.
While revealing being part of Obi’s entourage at the meeting, Paul slammed Sowore for misinterpreting his post on the visit.
“My dear friend and brother, Mr. @YeleSowore, I know we all have our strong presence on social media.
“It’s evident that Mr. @PeterObi seems to be your perpetual target, and in your eyes, nothing he does can ever be right, no matter how good or compassionate his actions are.
“However, there comes a time to rise above playing to the gallery. You were not part of the entourage—I was. I personally put out the tweet you have now misrepresented.” the social activist wrote.
Paul further slammed Sowore and other critics, charging them to take action rather than mere comment on social media.
I” am fully aware of the sacrifices of Mr. Peter Obi has made since Mr. Dele Farotimi was abducted. I know the people he has called, the places he has visited, and the efforts he has made to manage the situation. I have been with him and witnessed it all firsthand.
“Some of those criticizing him have likely never taken any meaningful action close to what Mr. Peter Obi has done to ensure no harm comes to Mr. @DeleFarotimi. He has traveled under challenging conditions, navigating difficult terrains, to ensure Mr. Dele Farotimi’s safety.
“Those quick to judge should step out and move around instead of sitting comfortably in one place and merely commenting on the social media. If most critics had achieved even a fraction of what Mr. Peter Obi has in life, they likely wouldn’t make the sacrifices he does—visiting villages, enduring tough terrains, and dedicating himself to helping others.” Paul wrote further.
Sowore had in his reaction, compared Obi’s plead with Afe Babalola to forcing popular United States Black Civil Right Activist, Rosa Park, to return to the back of the bus.
Counter-reacting to the statement, Paul held that Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther, who were referenced by Sowore, all had people sacrificing and fighting for their safety.
He maintained that Sowore does not understand the depth of Peter Obi’s commitment as he urged him stop his criticism of the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate.
“Even icons like Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr., whom some have referenced, had people sacrificing and fighting for their safety and on their behalf and visiting them in various capacities during their struggles. As a student of MLK and Mandela, I understand that critical engagements often happen behind the scenes. You may not fully understand Mr. Peter Obi’s values and the depth of his commitment.
“I was the only person who sat between Mr. Peter Obi and Dele Farotimi, and I am fully aware of the conversation that took place between them. It does not, in any way, align with what you are claiming.
“Mr. Peter Obi has consistently chosen a peaceful and issue-based approach, while you have embraced a more radical path. Throughout his presidential campaign, he has never mentioned or referenced you, choosing instead to focus on substance and maintain his dignified style. Yet, you have made it a habit to constantly reference and target him. Don’t you feel embarrassed of such unwarranted hostility?
“Mr. Sowore, continue with your work, but please stop running others down. Your only motive seems to be targeting Mr. Peter Obi. I reiterate—you were not part of the entourage. I was there.” Paul added.