Dear Comrade Omoyele Sowore, As I put pen to paper, I find myself reflecting on the state of our beloved country Nigeria, a nation rich in resources yet riddled with the shackles of corruption and oppression. Your courageous stance against the political elite has not only stirred significant discourse within Nigeria but also reverberated globally, reminding us that the fight for justice knows no borders, religions, ethnicities, or languages. In this letter, I aim to explore the significance of your actions and the broader implications they have on the socio-political landscape, both within Nigeria and internationally. My intentions are to make you know that we are observing, listening and learning.
First, you inspire in us the Courage to Speak Out. Your commitment to exposing the ills of the Nigerian political landscape under the banner of #RevolutionNow has set a precedent for activism, exemplifying the pivotal role of civil disobedience in democratic societies. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, your calls for accountability resonate not just with the Nigerian populace but also with those globally who yearn for change in oppressive regimes.
The courage you exhibit in the face of adversity is inspiring. Taking a stand against systemic corruption and oppression is seldom without peril, particularly within a political context like Nigeria’s, where dissent is often met with brutal suppression. The Nigerian government’s treatment of dissenters is a testament to this oppressive environment. The use of force to silence voices of discontent illustrates a disturbing reality for many who dare to challenge the status quo.
Need I say that with your dedication to the cause, you have revealed discrimination and oppression across borders. In addressing the oppression faced by Nigeria’s citizens, it is essential to acknowledge that this struggle transcends national boundaries. The oppression of political dissent is a global issue. The strategies employed by authoritarian regimes mirror one another; censorship, imprisonment, and intimidation are commonplace tactics used to stifle opposition. According to Freedom House, “the decline of freedom is a global phenomenon; authoritarianism is on the rise”.
Corruption, in essence, is a universal blight. In Nigeria, it is often tied to the interests of multinational corporations and foreign powers that seek to exploit the nation’s wealth while contributing to its political instability. The complicity of these foreign entities in Nigeria’s corrupt practices underscores a neocolonial dynamic that transcends ethnicity, religion, and language. In their pursuit of profit, they frequently overlook the human cost, contributing to the oppression of the very people whose resources they exploit.
It saddens my heart to see the play of ethnic and religious strife in the country which is a by-product of Corruption. Ethnic divisions have long been a tool of oppression wielded by corrupt politicians to maintain power. By manipulating religious and ethnic identities, the political elite divert attention from their transgressions, fostering a culture of division that prevents unified resistance against systemic injustice. This manipulation of identity politics not only weakens the collective strength of the populace but also deepens bonds of animosity that can last for generations.
The conflation of ethnic rivalry and political power has led to violent clashes and a fractured society. Reports from the International Crisis Group highlight how political manipulation of ethnicity and religion has incited conflicts and sustain cycles of violence in Nigeria.
The influence of social media in your advocacy cannot be overstated. Platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook have become fertile ground for rallying support, mobilising the youth, and drawing international attention to the cause of justice. Yet, the government’s attempt to control or undermine social media access only reflects their fear of the collective power of informed citizens. Your use of social media has bridged the gap between the local and the global and brought the pressing issues of Nigeria to the forefront.
In the context of your imprisonment, it is imperative that we let you understand that we see you, appreciate & understand your battles. It will be best we leverage this technological gateway to amplify voices against oppression. Social media campaigns have effectively garnered not only national but also international attention. It rallies those who might have otherwise remained passive, illustrating the undeniable power of technological advancement in modern activism which is why I lend my voice to your cause.
Comrade, there is a broader fight against inequality and itis vital to contextualise your struggle within the broader framework of global inequality. Currently, the world is facing multiple crises that are profoundly interconnected — economic disparity, climate change, and systemic racism all contribute to a climate of unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, revealing the vulnerability of marginalized communities. Your endeavours bring a spotlight to these intersecting issues, highlighting how they disproportionately affect certain demographics based not on personal abilities but cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Nigeria, with its vast wealth in natural resources, presents a classic case of resource curse — where abundance leads to conflict rather than prosperity. The continuous cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement fuel frustration and dissent, leading to efforts for social change being met with violent suppression by those in power. Your work challenges the narrative that poverty in Nigeria stems solely from the lack of resources, drawing attention to the structures of governance that perpetuate inequality.
As I conclude this letter, I implore you to continue your fight. Your courage has inspired many, and your sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the costs associated with seeking justice. The demand for accountability is not merely a national concern; it reverberates across the globe. Solidarity must underpin our efforts, forming alliances among those who face systemic oppression, regardless of their geographical location, ethnicity, or religion.
In the spirit of your advocacy, we must forge a collective response to the injustices faced by the oppressed, sharing stories that transcend borders and uniting behind a common cause. Your plight, Comrade Omoyele, is a catalyst, igniting necessary conversations around corruption, discrimination, and oppression worldwide. In this ongoing battle, remember that you are not alone; countless others stand with you, inspired by your strength and tenacity.
Yours in Comradship,
Dimeji Sodeke
