Sowore Finally Replies DSS Over Demand To Delete His Posts Calling Tinubu "Criminal"
- Former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore rejected the DSS demand to delete posts calling President Tinubu a “criminal,” describing it as unlawful
- Sowore cited Nigerian law, the African Charter, and court precedents, emphasising that criticism of public officials is a democratic right
- Recounting past unlawful detentions and property confiscations by the DSS, Sowore reaffirmed his commitment to holding leaders accountable
FCT, Abuja – Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore has responded to the Department of State Services (DSS) after the agency demanded that he delete posts referring to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Recall that the DSS had accused Sowore of publishing “criminal, false, and malicious” content against the President.
Source: Twitter
The service, however, asked him to retract it.
DSS demand sparks Sowore response
Sowore in his detailed response to the DSS via X, disclosed that he received a letter from the DSS, which he said was delivered “stealthily” to the office of his lawyers in Abuja.
In his reply to the DSS Director-General, Uwem Davies, Sowore described the agency’s action as “insidious, fundamentally defective, and unlawful.”
He told reporters that the DSS’s demand was “another attempt at repressive hostility” and recounted past encounters with the agency, including unlawful detentions in 1993, 1996, and 2019.
Sowore cites legal and constitutional protections
In his letter, Sowore referenced Nigerian law and international human rights instruments to justify his actions.
He noted Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution on government accountability and Section 39 guaranteeing freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He also cited precedents from Nigeria and other African countries, noting that criminal defamation is “unjustifiable in a democracy.”
He recalled past court rulings striking down sedition laws and emphasised that criticism of public officials is a fundamental democratic right.
Sowore on past injustices inform stance
Source: Getty Images
Sowore recounted that DSS actions have consistently violated his rights, including confiscation of properties, denial of his NYSC discharge certificate, and attempts to intimidate him through proxy lawsuits.
He stressed that these experiences strengthened his resolve to hold leaders accountable.
He said he remained committed to advocating for change, asserting:
"You have no business telling me how to criticise the President. The determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering. Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta."
Sowore rejects DSS directive
Sowore concluded that the DSS has no authority to act on behalf of the President and reiterated his constitutional right to free expression.
He argued that lawful remedies for any perceived defamation exist under civil law and that the agency’s demand was an overreach.
He described his activism and political engagement as part of his “uncompromising stance to ensure that this country does not continue down the path of perdition.”
DSS accused of trying to silence Sowore
Previously, Legit.ng reported that lawyers representing Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore have petitioned Meta Platforms Inc. to disregard a request from the Department of State Services (DSS) demanding the deactivation of his Facebook account.
The legal team, led by Inibehe Effiong Chambers, described the DSS move as unlawful and a direct attempt to silence political criticism.
Source: Legit.ng
