Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has openly defied the Department of State Services (DSS) after the agency demanded that he withdraw a social media post criticizing President Bola Tinubu.
In a strongly worded response addressed to the DSS Director General, Sowore described the agency’s request as unlawful, unconstitutional, and a continuation of its long history of repression.
“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,” Sowore said.
The activist, who is also the founder of Sahara Reporters, insisted that freedom of expression is a constitutional right and cannot be subjected to censorship by state security operatives. He argued that issues of defamation are personal and cannot be pursued by the DSS on behalf of the president.
Citing constitutional provisions and African human rights treaties, Sowore said the demand was “fundamentally defective” and an overreach of the agency’s mandate.
He accused the DSS of acting “bullishly, illegally and unlawfully” under successive governments, recalling his repeated clashes with the agency. Sowore listed arrests in 1993, 1996, and his 2019 detention on allegations of treason and money laundering, including the invasion of a Federal High Court by DSS operatives during his trial.
“The DSS has dragged me through unscrupulous abuse and gross violations of rights for decades without remorse,” he wrote.
Sowore maintained that his criticisms of Tinubu’s administration are consistent with his long-standing activism and political convictions. He stressed that Nigerians remain determined to reclaim the country from “thieves in power,” and vowed not to be silenced by intimidation.
