Tinubu cannot silence dissent as Democracy thrives on dialogue, not detention- FEDERAL WORKERS FORUM

Federal Workers Forum Calls for the Unconditional Release of Omoyele Sowore The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) strongly condemns the continued detention of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), and demands his immediate and unconditional release. Comrade Sowore is currently held on charges instituted and investigated by the Office of the Inspector General of Police, which, upon critical examination, remain untenable and politically motivated. The fact that the same office serving as accuser also assumes the role of investigator raises serious questions about fairness, impartiality, and due process. It is ironic and unacceptable that Sowore—a citizen who has boldly advocated for better welfare, improved working conditions, and retirement benefits for serving and retired police officers—is now being punished by the same system he sought to improve. His calls were never criminal; they were a patriotic push for reform in the Nigeria Police Force Rather than clamp down on constructive criticism and advocacy, the Inspector General of Police and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector should have welcomed Sowore’s proposals and engaged in meaningful dialogue to implement needed reforms. The Federal Workers Forum stands in unwavering solidarity with Comrade Sowore and views his detention as part of a disturbing trend of repression against voices of justice, equity, and progress. We therefore demand: The unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore A public explanation from the Office of the IGP regarding the legal basis for his detention and others An immediate halt to the use of state institutions to stifle advocacy and reform Urgent attention to the demands for better welfare and retirement packages for officers of the Nigeria Police Force Democracy thrives on dialogue, not detention. Nigeria cannot afford to continue silencing those who speak for justice and institutional reform. Signed: Comrade Itoro Obong (National sec.) Comrade Razak Oseni (National P. R. O) Comrade Ogundele John (National Ass P. R.O) Comrade Lazarus Bur (Head of protest coordinarion)