Rule of law: Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America says Nigeria on the brink of collapse

The National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, also known as the Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America has condemned “the Nigerian government’s arbitrary exercise of power as well as its selective obedience” to the laws of the country. The condemnation came in a press release signed by the association’s President, New York based physician Durojaye Akindutire, following a status meeting yesterday to review current situation in Nigeria.

The statement also condemned the recent courtroom drama in Lagos in which former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore was rearrested. The group called the action of agents of the State Security Service (SSS) inside the courtroom disgraceful and a complete contempt for the rule of law.

The Yoruba group wants the Buhari administration to retrace its steps quickly by obeying lawful orders, stating that “when our laws don’t apply equally to all citizens, including elected and unelected officials, we are as a nation are teetering on the brink of collapse.” The group called for the immediate release of Omoyele Sowore, Olawale Bakare, Col. Sambo Dasuki and Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky.

Nigerian courts at different times have granted bails for the release of the four Nigerians but government has willfully disobeyed the court orders.

The association called on Nigerians not to sit idle in support of tyranny but resist the Buhari administration’s “direct attack on free speech as represented by the unpopular hate speech and social media bills, which contains many provisions that do not meet international human rights standards.”