In a statement signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum said Sowore’s arrest and alleged mistreatment in police custody represent a blatant attack on free speech and a dangerous sign of Nigeria sliding into what it called a “civilian dictatorship.”
The Elegant Nurses Forum has strongly condemned what it describes as the unlawful arrest and illegal detention of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and convener of the Take-It-Back Movement, accusing the Nigerian authorities of attempting to silence a courageous critic of government corruption.
In a statement signed by Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, the forum said Sowore’s arrest and alleged mistreatment in police custody represent a blatant attack on free speech and a dangerous sign of Nigeria sliding into what it called a “civilian dictatorship.”
The group explained that Sowore has been a key figure in the fight for the democracy that the current ruling class now enjoys, and sadly abuses.
They noted that his arrest is a clear attempt to silence a critical voice that exposes corruption and holds those in power accountable.
The group expressed solidarity with Sowore, members of the Take It Back Movement, and other progressive and left-wing movements, insisting that voices demanding justice, transparency, and good governance must not be silenced.
They further warned that the arrest and torture of dissenting voices are hallmarks of authoritarian rule, urging the authorities to respect citizens’ rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
The statement read,"The Elegant Nurses Forum condemns in the strongest terms the unlawful arrest and illegal detention of Comrade Omoyele Sowore, convener of the Take It Back movement. His arrest and mistreatment in police custody are blatant attempts to silence a courageous government critic who exposes corruption within police ranks and government agencies.
"Comrade Sowore has been a key figure in the fight for the democracy that the current ruling class now enjoys, and sadly abuses. This attack on him shows how dissenting voices are being suppressed and tortured, signaling that our nation has drifted into a state of civilian dictatorship.
"We stand firmly in solidarity with Comrade Sowore, members of the Take It Back Movement, and all other left-wing movements during this difficult time. Our nation is bleeding, and it is crucial that the voices calling for justice, transparency, and good governance are not silenced but heard," they said.
According to the group, "His arrest is a clear attempt to silence a critical voice that exposes corruption and holds those in power accountable.
"As a key figure in Nigeria's democracy struggle, Comrade Sowore's detention is a betrayal of the democratic principles he fought for. We stand in solidarity with him, the Take-It-Back movement, and other progressive groups.
"The arrest and torture of dissenting voices is a hallmark of a civilian dictatorship. We demand Comrade Sowore's immediate release and call on the authorities to respect citizens' rights to free speech and assembly."
