The Omoluabi Center for Development Initiative is condemning the arrest and detention of the Executive Director, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Mr Olarewaju Suraju as unlawful and inhumane.
Mr Suraju, is a man that is known to all as a leading voice in the fight for justice and a accoutability in this nation. He has been clamouring for transparency and justice in the Malabu saga where the sum of $1.1 billion paid into an Escrow account of Nigeria cannot be accounted for.
Following a petition by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Bello Adoke, Suraju was arrested on Wednesday April 14th 2021. Bello Adoke who has been standing trial in Nigeria and Italy about Malabu oil deal petitioned the Nigerian Police Force alleging allegeding that Suraj and host of others forged documents against him while he was on trial.
Earlier on Tuesday, April 13th, Olanrewaju Suraju and Dr Gbenga Oduntan, Founder and Editor-in-chief, The International Lawyer, enjoined the media to be focused and thorough in their investigations on the anti-graft cause at a conference held at Sheraton hotels Lagos.
Me Suraju was released from detention after meeting the necessary bail requirements on Thursday. This arrest and detention has sparked an outrage as several people have condemned the actions of the Nigerian Police Force.
This is a grave matter because institutions that are supposed to be impartial and unsentimental such as Nigerian Police Force seems to be the one picking sides in matters. The Nigerian Police Force have somehow become instruments of oppression, carrying out the biddings of the high and mighty in the society. Proper investigation is supposed to be carried out before any arrest should be made but Alas, the Police went ahead to make the arrest without verification thereby creating the impression that's Mr Suraju is guilty.
Where is the democracy we claim to practice if there will always be backlash when we demand answers and clarification from our leaders? The level of harassment and intimidation of seekers of truth and justice like Mr Olarewaju Suraju is outrageous and it clearly shows that we are expected to remain silent in the face of tyranny and systemic oppression.
The height of shamelessness is shocking as it is now clear that our corrupt leaders can go to any length to harass or intimidate and silent anyone who dares to raise a brow or alter a word about their corrupt ways. Comrade Olanrewaju Oretoluwa, Founder/Executive Director, Omoluabi Center for Development Initiative, said that all hands must be on deck if we wish to fight corruption in this country. Question should be asked, answers should be demanded to ensure that there is transparency in leadership. He noted that corruption is systemic in this nation as it occurs at every level- public and private administration. Our elected or appointed leaders are not the only culprits, some individuals, business tycoons, multinationals and private parastals are also neck-deep in the act of corruption. Therefore, we need to tackle the corruption on every front and with every weapon at our disposal.
He also noted that the voice of justice cannot be silenced as it will keep getting louder and stronger henceforth. He condemned the action of the police and asked that they tender an apology to Mr Olarewaju Suraju. He stated that their impulsive reaction is a violation of everything the force stands for.
He advised the youth especially to come together, set aside their differences and hold this administration accountable. 'The youths should stand together like the proverbial bunch of broom which cannot be easily broken'', he said.
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