I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I send a message of strength and solidarity to Dele Farotimi and all those standing against oppression. History reminds us that freedom, rights, and justice are never freely handed to the oppressed. They must be demanded, fought for, and seized from those who seek to deny them.
The Legacy of Resistance
In 1929, 10,000 women from the Eastern Region of Nigeria gathered at Ogu (now in Abia State) to protest against unjust taxation imposed by colonial warrant chiefs. These women—strong, united, and fearless—rose against oppression at great personal risk. Many were shot, and 55 women lost their lives.
Their actions sparked what became known as the Aba Women’s War, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history. They resisted attempts to dehumanize them, to treat them as mere property, and to reduce their existence to tools for exploitation. Through their courage, they reminded the oppressors that dignity, liberty, and justice belong to all.
Their sacrifices bore fruit, laying the foundation for rights and freedoms that women—and indeed all Nigerians—enjoy today.
The Arrest of Dele Farotimi: A Symptom of a Rotten System
Fast forward to today, the arrest of Dele Farotimi is a stark reminder of the continued struggle for justice and equity in our nation. Dele, a brilliant lawyer, patriot, and outspoken advocate for the people, was abducted under the guise of an arrest. Allegations of cyberstalking and defamation against him, purportedly at the instigation of a prominent individual, only highlight the misuse of power by the elite.
This is not new. The Nigerian system has a long history of suppressing voices of reason and truth. Those who dare to speak up are often harassed, threatened, or silenced. But, as history shows, such tactics never succeed.
The Lessons of History: Oppressors Never Last
Oppressors are like the colonialists of old—assuming that others exist only to serve their whims and enrich their egos. But, as with the colonial masters, their time is limited. The tides of history are against them.
Where are the oppressors of yesterday? Those who brutalized Fela Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi, and Ken Saro-Wiwa? Where are the warrant chiefs of the colonial era? They have been swept away, their legacies drowned in the tide of justice.
The Power of Unity
The Aba women had leaders like Ikonnia, Nwannedia, and Nwugo, who ensured their protests were well-organized. Similarly, Madame Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti and other women leaders in Egba land fought for justice and change. These women stood together, united by a common cause.
Today, Nigerians must draw inspiration from their courage. The power of unity is undeniable. Whether it’s Dele Farotimi, Aisha Yesufu, or Omoyele Sowore, these voices cannot and should not stand alone.
A Message to the Oppressors
To those who wield power as a tool for intimidation, remember this:
- History will not be kind to you. Your name will be recorded as one who oppressed the people, not as a hero.
- You are mere mortals. The very system you abuse will eventually turn against you.
- You cannot intimidate everyone. For every Dele Farotimi you harass, hundreds more will rise.
Your attempts to stifle dissent only amplify the voices of the oppressed. The world is watching. The age of silent submission is over.
To the Police and Judiciary
The Nigerian police and judiciary have become tools in the hands of the elite. But remember, when your time in service is over, you will return to the same system you helped uphold. The poor healthcare, bad roads, and inadequate pensions will catch up with you. History will not absolve you.
The Way Forward
Freedom and justice are not negotiable. Nigerians must demand a better country. We must stand with Dele Farotimi and others who have dared to challenge the status quo. If the Aba women could march against colonial rule in 1929, we, too, can rise against today’s oppressors.
Let us unite as one nation. Let us reject division by tribe, religion, or class. The true enemy is not our fellow Nigerian but the oppressive systems and individuals that keep us down.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
