Afenifere Youths, CSO condemn Sowore’s unwarranted, malicious attacks on IGP Egbetokun

…Lauds Police Boss’ Strides In Ensuring Security, Tracking Crime

The Afenifere Youth Coalition has condemned in totality, the continued and unwarranted attacks by Omoyele Sowore on prominent Yoruba public office holders, particularly his recent verbal assaults on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, which have rightfully led to his arraignment in court. 

Sowore, a presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2023 has been arraigned over cybercrime allegations against the Nigerian Police Chief.

The Afenifere Youth Coalition at a press conference on Friday, said the publisher of the sensational online platform, Sahara Reporters had built a career out of harassing, defaming, and undermining public officials, and it is time to set the record straight.

“Recently he posted a self-indicting video evidence of himself where he was seen resisting and obstructing public officers doing their job, disobedience to lawful orders, cyberstalking, and portraying actions allegedly aimed at preventing arrests.

“His attack on the IGP is not just a random act of provocation; it is part of his larger agenda to destabilize the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is unacceptable, and as Yoruba youths committed to the peace and progress of our land, we refuse to sit idly by while such reckless behavior continues unchecked.

“It is undeniable that Sowore thrives on controversy, baseless activism, and political blackmail. His entire career revolves around inciting protests, misleading the public, and portraying himself as a hero of democracy while actually serving the interest of anyone readily available to pay his price,” the group said.

It noted that Sowore’s penchant for false accusations and digital harassment has finally caught up with him, hence the 16-count cybercrime charges filed against him are evident to his continued abuse of online platforms to spread lies and incite chaos.

The Afenifere Youth Coalition said, instead of addressing these charges maturely, Sowore continued to play the victim while misleading his gullible supporters.

The youths noted that while IGP Egbetokun has shown maturity and respect for the rule of law by taking legal action against him, the former presidential contender has chosen to manipulate public sentiment by playing the victim card, and making unrepentant noises on his social media handles.

“Indeed, the judiciary must ensure that justice is served and that this case sets a precedent that online defamation, cyberbullying, and targeted harassment will no longer be tolerated. The era where social media is used as a weapon of political sabotage must come to an end.

“It is no longer news that Sowore’s Sahara Reporters has no journalistic integrity. The platform is notorious for publishing sensational, misleading, and politically motivated stories aimed at discrediting public officials and institutions.

“Apparently, his media house operates not as a credible news platform but as a blackmail factory where fake news is peddled in exchange for financial gains. We challenge Sowore to provide any evidence of his platform making constructive contributions to governance in Nigeria,” they added.

The group said, Sowore’s inability to secure even minimal votes during his presidential bid proved that he is not a politician and should not be taken seriously, having failed to articulate any realistic policy ideas or strategies for governance.

It commended IGP Egbetokun, for his patience, professionalism, and adherence to due process in handling Sowore’s defamation case, saying unlike some who would have resorted to abuse of power and intimidation, the Police Boss chose the lawful route by seeking redress in court.

Similarly, a civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law condemned in its entirety, what it described as baseless and malicious attacks launched against IGP Egbetokun, by Sowore.

The spokesman for the group Comrade Kabir Matazu
lauded Egbetokun’s strides in ensuring national security and tackling crime across Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the CSO said the actions of
Sowore, a well-known agent of chaos and misinformation, clearly showed that his paymasters who are uncomfortable with the progress being made in crime reduction under the present administration have once again mobilised him to undermine the security apparatus of our great nation.

The Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law said:”Nevertheless, let it be known that Nigeria is not a playground for anarchists, and the rule of law will always prevail over the antics of mischief-makers like Sowore.

It said the IGP has brought a new era of professionalism and effectiveness to the Nigeria Police Force but unlike some who blow their own trumpets at the slightest achievement, he quietly and meticulously implemented strategic reforms that have significantly curbed crime.

“Apparently, his leadership has witnessed a marked reduction in violent crimes, including kidnappings, armed robbery, and terrorism-related incidents. Furthermore, community policing initiatives which he broadly enacted have helped to strengthen trust between the police and citizens, ensuring better cooperation in intelligence gathering.

“Despite these laudable achievements, the IGP has chosen modesty over self-glorification. A rare trait which we see as the mark of a true leader; one who is fully driven by duty rather than personal acclaim.”

According to the CSO, it is no surprise that Sowore and his paymasters are displeased with the prospect of Nigeria successfully getting a grip on crime-fighting.

The Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law said his unwarranted attacks on the IGP are part of what we believe to be a well-orchestrated distraction campaign aimed at diverting attention from the tremendous progress being made in ensuring national security.

“Indeed, Sowore’s record speaks for itself. He is nothing but a professional protest organizer, an agent of destabilization, and a mouthpiece for those who wish to keep Nigeria in perpetual crisis. He has built his entire career on inciting anarchy, spreading falsehoods, and misleading the public through his biased online platform, Sahara Reporters, and other personal social media handles.

“Evidently, those who benefit from Nigeria’s insecurity see the IGP’s success as a threat to their agenda. Hence, they have unleashed their puppet, Sowore, to sow discord and create unnecessary distractions. But Nigerians are wiser now—we will not be swayed by the antics of a known rabble-rouser,” it noted.

The CSO said, unlike those who abuse power and resort to intimidation, IGP Egbetokun has displayed an exceptional level of civility by choosing to address the nuisance of Sowore through legal means.

It stated that, rather than using the might of the police force to silence him, the IGP chose to seek redress in the court of law, thereby reaffirming his commitment to justice and democratic principles.

“This should serve as a lesson to Sowore and his cohorts that Nigeria is not a jungle where lawlessness reigns. If one has grievances, the proper avenue is the judiciary, not cheap propaganda and media blackmail. It would be good at this time for Sowore’s blind supporters to open their ears to listen , and eyes to see him for who he truly is; a failed Nigerian politician, a hunger-driven activist, a serial false reporter, and an anti-democracy campaigner.

“Sowore’s main strategy is simple: manufacture controversy, push a misleading narrative, attract international sympathy, and use the chaos as a bargaining chip for foreign grants and political paychecks.

“Nevertheless, Nigerians must not fall for this charade. He is not fighting for the masses; he is fighting for himself. Omoyele Sowore’s attack on the IGP is nothing but a cheap distraction from the bigger goal of combating crime and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens,” the CSO maintained.

The Concerned Citizens for Justice and Rule of Law urged the IGP not to lose focus and to continue his noble work in restoring law and order, saying the Police under him has achieved remarkable feats in intelligence-driven policing, community engagement, and high-profile criminal arrests. It is no wonder that enemies of Nigeria’s progress have resorted to using Sowore as a diversionary tool.

The CSO reaffirmed its full support for IGP Egbetokun, in his quest to ensure security, law, and order in Nigeria and urged him not to be distracted, but should focus on the mission of securing the country as the law is on his side, and justice will always prevail over propaganda.

It also called on Nigerians not to be fooled by Sowore’s antics as he is not fighting for them but for his bank account, insisting the Judiciary must allow the law take its full course.