Following fiery attack by ‘Revolution Now’ campaigner, Mr. Yele Sowore, an eyewitness who accompanied Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi to Ado Ekiti for visits to Chief Afe Babalola SAN and Mr. Dele Farotimi has now provided details on the visits.

CITY LAWYER recalls that Dr. Moses Paul had tweeted on the trending visits, leading Sowore to lampoon Obi for allegedly going to “beg” Babalola over Farotimi’s detention.

Sowore stated that “the delegation led by Mr. Peter Obi has committed an unspeakable and despicable injustice in the fight against judicial corruption in our country.”

Leading legal scholar, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George SAN however disagrees, saying: “I commend Mr. Peter Obi for the thoughtful visit to Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CFR at Ado Ekiti. This is a powerful demonstration of Mr. Obi’s leadership capacity and peace-building acumen. Kudos sir. Aare Afe Babalola has given literally all that he ever made back to the society through the establishment of ABUAD. He employs thousands of workers in his numerous enterprises. If all our wealthy people were like Aare Afe Babalola, Nigeria would be an El Dorado. -Prof Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, FNIALS.”

But giving more insights into the visits, Paul, who accompanied Obi on the visits, wrote on his “X” handle:

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.

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.

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.

-DrMo

CITY LAWYER recalls that Obi had strongly condemned the handling of Farotimi’s case by the Police, saying: “The handling of the case involving human rights lawyer @DeleFarotomi runs foul of every Democratic norm that guarantees freedom of expression and innocence until found guilty before a law court.

“It’s curious that the Nigeria Police, who are struggling with a barrage of crimes all over the place, now indulge in civil cases on half complaints and rush to court at the speed of light.

“Hearing that Dele Farotimi has been remanded in prison over an allegation of defamation is very disturbing. This development raises serious concerns about the state of justice and freedom of expression in our country, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the alarming rise in criminal activities across the nation.

“At a time when national efforts should be directed toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and economic challenges, it is disheartening to see the focus shifted to cases that appear to stifle critical voices.

“Matters of defamation are civil and should be treated as such, not turned into a tool for intimidation or the erosion of fundamental rights.

“The strength of any democracy lies in its ability to tolerate differing opinions and uphold the rule of law without bias.

“I once again call on the authorities to ensure that justice is served impartially and to prioritize the urgent task of combating the real threats plaguing our nation. -PO”

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