Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has rejected a demand by the Department of State Services (DSS) to retract a social media post in which he criticised President Bola Tinubu.
Sowore, in a strongly worded response, said the DSS had no authority to dictate how he should express dissent against the president.
“You have no business telling me how to criticise the President. But, knowing the nature of your service, it is clear you have not learnt your lessons. Let me state it clearly once again: the determination of the Nigerian people to reclaim their country from thieves in power is unwavering. And it shall be achieved. Freedom cometh by struggle. Aluta continua, victoria ascerta,” he said.
In a letter addressed to the DSS Director-General, the activist described the agency’s request as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a clear attempt to act as a proxy for President Tinubu.
He accused the DSS of having a long history of repression against him, recalling arrests and detentions in 1993, 1996, and 2019—including his trial on allegations of treason and money laundering, and the controversial invasion of a Federal High Court during proceedings.
“The DSS has dragged me through unscrupulous abuse and gross violations of rights for decades without remorse,” Sowore wrote.
Citing provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and African human rights treaties, Sowore maintained that freedom of speech protects citizens’ right to criticise public officials. He argued that defamation, if alleged, is a personal issue that cannot be pursued by the DSS on behalf of the president.
Reaffirming his stance, Sowore said his criticism of government is rooted in his long-standing activism and political convictions, insisting that Nigerians remain resolute in their struggle to reclaim the country from “thieves in power.”