Democracy Day Under Fire: Olawepo-Hashim Blasts Attack on Sowore and Protesters

Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the presidential candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), has vociferously condemned an alleged attack on human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and fellow protesters during a recent Democracy Day demonstration. Olawepo-Hashim characterized the incident as a grave and unsettling menace to the foundational democratic principles of Nigeria, emphasizing the critical need to protect civic liberties. He underscored that the inherent rights to peaceful protest, free expression, and active civic participation constitute indispensable pillars of any robust democracy, asserting that these must be safeguarded without compromise at all times.

Olawepo-Hashim articulated a stern warning that a democratic system cannot genuinely flourish in an environment where its citizens face intimidation or suppression for daring to demand accountability from their leaders or for expressing legitimate concerns regarding governance. He stressed that Democracy Day should transcend mere commemoration of the nation's transition to civilian rule; rather, it ought to serve as a profound reaffirmation of the solemn obligation to consistently uphold core democratic tenets. These principles, he iterated, encompass the inviolable freedom of expression, the pursuit of justice, unwavering constitutionalism, and the steadfast adherence to the rule of law. According to him, the very strength of a democracy is amplified when its citizens are empowered to freely speak their minds, organize, and rigorously demand accountability from those vested with power. Conversely, any deliberate endeavor to stifle or suppress these fundamental freedoms, he contended, inevitably leads to the weakening of democracy itself.

The former presidential candidate, who has recently assumed the role of MDR co-chair alongside NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, further elaborated on the strategic establishment of the Movement for Democratic Renewal. He clarified that the MDR was founded with the explicit mandate to vigilantly protect Nigeria's nascent democratic space and to staunchly resist any insidious drift towards authoritarianism. In this context, Olawepo-Hashim also critically addressed what he described as the persistent harassment of Omoyele Sowore, notably citing the unresolved issue of his passport seizure despite various legal interventions. He affirmed the MDR's unwavering commitment to actively mobilize a broad coalition of democratic forces, including various civil society groups, influential labour unions, and concerned citizens, all united by a shared dedication to defending and fortifying democratic institutions while simultaneously striving to expand civic freedoms across the nation.

Issuing a powerful appeal, Olawepo-Hashim declared that Nigeria must unequivocally prevent any regression to a bygone era where dissenting opinions were routinely criminalized and citizens were systematically denied their constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights. He unequivocally stated that the defense of democracy is not merely the prerogative of a select few but rather the collective and indispensable responsibility of every individual who cherishes freedom, believes in justice, and advocates for accountable leadership. Concluding his address, he urged both security agencies and all relevant authorities to scrupulously uphold and respect the constitutional rights of citizens, while concurrently ensuring the maintenance of public order, thereby fostering a balanced and just society.