The Elegant Nurses Forum (ENF) has condemned what it described as the continued persecution of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Omoyele Sowore, warning that such actions pose a threat to democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of the forum, Nurse Thomas Abiodun Olamide, expressed concern over what he called the sustained harassment, intimidation, and prosecution of citizens for exercising their constitutional rights.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum strongly condemns the continued persecution of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, by agencies of the Nigerian state,” Olamide said. “We view the sustained harassment, intimidation, and prosecution of a citizen for exercising his constitutional rights as a dangerous assault on democracy, civil liberties, and the rule of law.”
According to Olamide, Sowore belongs to a generation of Nigerians who made significant sacrifices during the military era in pursuit of democratic governance and accountability.
“While many of today’s political elites sought refuge abroad during those difficult years, individuals like Sowore stood their ground and paid enormous personal sacrifices in the struggle for the democracy Nigerians enjoy today,” he stated.
The ENF coordinator described it as “tragic and ironic” that some individuals who played little role in the democratic struggle now appear to be presiding over what he termed the erosion of democratic freedoms.
Olamide further expressed concern over recent developments surrounding Sowore’s trial, arguing that they reflect a shrinking civic space in the country.
“Citizens increasingly live under the fear of arbitrary arrests, politically motivated prosecutions, and the weaponisation of state institutions against dissenting voices,” he said. “Freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and the right to hold public officials accountable appear to be under relentless attack.”
The forum also commented on reports involving Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja, particularly allegations that a legal practitioner was ordered to kneel in open court.
“The conduct attributed to Justice Mohammed Umar, particularly the reported directive ordering a legal practitioner to kneel in open court, has generated widespread public concern and criticism from members of the legal community and the Nigerian Bar Association,” Olamide said.
He noted that the Nigerian Bar Association had reportedly stated that such a directive is not a recognised judicial sanction under Nigerian law and does not align with expected standards of judicial conduct.
“A courtroom must remain a temple of justice, dignity, fairness, and respect for the rights of all persons,” he added. “Judicial authority must never be exercised in a manner that creates the impression of intimidation, humiliation, or abuse of power.”
The ENF coordinator argued that increasing intolerance of criticism could undermine democratic institutions and public confidence in governance.
“Democratic governance cannot thrive where dissent is criminalised, critics are persecuted, and state institutions are deployed to silence opposing voices,” he said.
The forum called for an immediate end to what it described as politically motivated actions against Sowore and other human rights activists. It also urged Justice Mohammed Umar to recuse himself from matters involving the activist to preserve public confidence in the judicial process.
Additionally, the group called on the National Judicial Council to investigate allegations of judicial misconduct and take appropriate disciplinary measures if violations of judicial ethics are established through due process.
The ENF further appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society groups, labour unions, student bodies, and professional associations to defend democratic freedoms and constitutional rights.
The organisation also urged international bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, foreign diplomatic missions, and global human rights organisations, to closely monitor developments in Nigeria and speak out against any violations of democratic principles.
Olamide said foreign governments should scrutinise any public officials or judicial officers found through lawful processes to have engaged in serious abuses of power or violations of fundamental rights and consider diplomatic measures consistent with their laws and international obligations.
He also called on the Federal Government to recommit itself to democratic values, judicial independence, freedom of expression, human rights, and the rule of law.
“History will not be kind to those who seek to suppress the freedoms for which others sacrificed their liberty, comfort, and safety,” Olamide said. “Democracies do not collapse overnight; they are weakened gradually whenever citizens remain silent in the face of injustice.”
He concluded by reaffirming the forum’s support for Nigerians advocating accountability, justice, and democratic governance.
“The Elegant Nurses Forum stands firmly with all Nigerians who continue to demand accountability, justice, freedom, and genuine democratic governance. An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said.
