The Digest:
Civil rights activist Dele Farotimi has condemned Nigeria's police and judiciary for their clampdown on the #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, stating that the requirement for protest permits proves the nation is only "mimicking" democracy. In a charged interview on Channels Television, Farotimi argued that the judiciary has become an extension of the executive and declared the Nigerian state "deaf" to the grievances of its citizens.
Key Points:
- Activist Dele Farotimi declared Nigeria is only "mimicking" democracy.
- He stated that in a true democracy, police are informed of protests, not asked for permits.
- Farotimi condemned the judiciary as "unfit for purpose" and subservient to the executive.
- He revealed he no longer joins protests because the Nigerian state is "deaf."
- The activist cited the #EndSARS rebranding to SWAT as proof the state never truly reforms.
- Police defended their use of tear gas, citing the need to protect critical infrastructure.
- Officers enforced a court order restricting protests near key government buildings.
Sources: Channels Television
