Sowore: GAFAMORG Warns Tinubu Govt Against Criminalising Dissent

‘Government must not fear criticism, citizens must not fear government’ — Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation

The Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organization (GAFAMORG) has warned the Federal Government against using criminal law and security agencies to intimidate or silence journalists, activists and citizens who criticise government policies.

The organisation, in a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, also threw its weight behind the fundamental right of journalist and activist, Omoyele Sowore, to criticise government and participate in public affairs.

GAFAMORG’s statement followed the recent call by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on the Tinubu administration and the Department of State Services (DSS) to withdraw criminal charges against Sowore.

The organisation said the development raises a fundamental question for Nigeria’s democracy: “What happens to democracy when criticism of government becomes a security offence?”

‘We Defend the Right to Criticise’

GAFAMORG said it supports the right of Sowore and every other Nigerian to question public officials, criticise government and participate in public affairs without intimidation.

It, however, stressed that defending freedom of expression does not mean placing anyone above the law.

“If a crime is alleged, it must be tested transparently before an independent court, with full constitutional safeguards,” the organisation stated.

It warned against what it described as the use of criminal law, security agencies and the courts to silence political opposition, journalism and legitimate dissent.

‘This Is the Gani Fawehinmi Standard’

Invoking the legacy of the late human rights lawyer and activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, the organisation said its position was rooted in the principles for which the legal icon fought throughout his life.

According to GAFAMORG, Fawehinmi did not merely defend individuals; he defended principles, particularly against arbitrary power, unlawful detention and suppression of the powerless.

“The power of the state must always be subject to law,” the organisation declared, describing the principle as central to Fawehinmi’s legacy.

GAFAMORG maintained that remembering Gani means defending citizens’ rights whenever they are threatened, irrespective of who is in power.

GAFAMORG’s Six Demands to Tinubu Government

The organisation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the DSS and other law enforcement agencies to:

1. Stop persecuting Nigerians for peaceful expression, journalism or political criticism.
2. Ensure that allegations against Sowore are determined strictly on the basis of law and evidence.
3. Prevent security agencies from defining political expression according to political convenience.
4. Ensure that the electoral calendar does not determine respect for fundamental rights.
5. Prevent prosecution from being used as a substitute for political debate.
6. Review laws used to criminalise expression and ensure their conformity with the Constitution.

‘Freedom Comes With Responsibility’

GAFAMORG also cautioned activists and citizens that the right to freedom of expression comes with responsibility.

The organisation said it would defend a citizen’s right to speak without necessarily endorsing every statement made by that individual.

“The answer to controversial speech is more speech, evidence and debate — not intimidation,” it said.

According to GAFAMORG, the issue goes beyond the Sowore case, warning that journalists, students, labour leaders, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens could face similar challenges if democratic safeguards are weakened.

“Do we want a democracy where citizens can question power, or a system where power decides who may question it?” the organisation asked.

“GAFAMORG chooses democracy.”

GAFAMORG Unveils Five-Point ‘Revolutionary Standard’

The organisation also unveiled what it called its “Revolutionary Standard”, built around five principles:

SPEAK — without fear.
QUESTION — without intimidation.
PROTEST — peacefully and lawfully.
PROSECUTE — only on evidence and due process.
ACCOUNT — especially when you hold public power.

GAFAMORG further proposed the establishment of a National Civil Liberties and Justice Accountability Framework to independently monitor cases involving journalists, activists, protesters and citizens facing state action.

It also called for stronger oversight of security agencies and a comprehensive national review of laws affecting freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

‘Gani’s Legacy Is Not a Statue’

GAFAMORG said the legacy of Gani Fawehinmi should not be confined to monuments, anniversaries or memorial events.

“Gani’s legacy is not a statue. It is a standard,” the organisation declared.

It pledged to condemn oppression by government, abuse by security agencies, injustice by political opponents and irresponsibility by activists and citizens.

“Our loyalty is not to persons. Our loyalty is to justice,” GAFAMORG stated.

The organisation ended its statement with a powerful message directed at both government and citizens:

“Government must not fear criticism. Citizens must not fear government. The law must fear no one and protect everyone.”

GAFAMORG described itself as an organisation committed to defending “the voiceless and defenceless” and to remembering Gani Fawehinmi by continuing his struggle for justice, accountability, constitutional rights and democratic freedoms.