The recent activities of Omoyele Sowore both on the mainstream media and social media have raised serious significant questions about his motivations and the potential consequences of his actions. Sowore's mobilization on social media for #FearlessInOctober and #RevolutionNow protests appears not only ill-conceived but also dangerously provocative. While I am neither a government official nor an apologist for the current administration, it is clear that some issues are both evident and pressing.
The allure of terms like "REVOLUTION DAY’S OF RAGE and FEARLESS" seems to attract individuals who perceive themselves as champions of freedom, often against imagined oppressors. However, such rhetoric can trivialize the historical significance of genuine revolutionary movements. The legacies of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for nonviolent resistance against imperialism, and Toussaint L’Ouverture, a leader in the Haitian Revolution, stand in stark contrast to the sensationalism surrounding Sowore's calls for upheaval.
Similarly, the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which was marked by profound ideological and social upheaval, is undermined when revolutionary rhetoric is used without a serious understanding of its implications or what the end-state would be.
Sowore’s recent statements and activities suggest a disregard for constitutional processes. The legal definitions of treason include actions intended to overthrow a sitting president or governor, or inciting mutiny. By openly advocating for a revolution and nationwide civil disobedience, Sowore places himself on a precarious path that could have severe repercussions.
It is concerning to observe that several prominent social media activists have aligned themselves with Sowore. His recent arrival at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, erroneously reported as arrest by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), was later clarified as a routine check. Despite this, calls for his release surged, revealing a troubling trend where the narrative often overshadows the facts. Rather than rallying behind sensational claims, it is crucial for all stakeholders to advocate for thorough investigations and uphold the integrity of our democratic experiment. Preserving national unity and peace is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the remit of security agencies.
Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge that Nigeria currently has a democratically elected government, which Sowore previously ran against as a presidential candidate. Following his electoral defeat, his attempts to seize power through unlawful means are both misguided and detrimental to the stability of our democracy.
I would like to conclude like this, those who attempt to undermine a democratically elected government through illegal actions must be prepared to face the consequences. It is vital for citizens to engage in constructive dialogue and promote peaceful avenues for change rather than resorting to rhetoric that can incite division and unrest.
No!!! Nigerians are wiser now than ever.
Meshach Gideon, Gombe