Former Senator Shehu Sani has cautioned those in power against targeting or silencing activist Omoyele Sowore, stating that the same critic they view as a foe today may become their essential ally once they leave office.
Speaking at a public event honoring Sowore’s activism, Sani emphasized the temporary nature of political power and the enduring value of steadfast voices like Sowore’s.
A Voice That Outlasts Power
Sani acknowledged that Sowore’s confrontational style and uncompromising stance on accountability often make him appear as an adversary to those in authority. However, he described Sowore as a loyal and dependable figure who stands by others in times of difficulty, often at great personal risk.
“If you are in government, you are likely to see Sowore as an enemy, as an adversary. But don’t fight him; don’t crush him because you will need him after power,” Sani urged.
The Temporariness of Authority
The former lawmaker reminded the audience that many who once held power and acted with impunity later found themselves vulnerable—facing prosecution, persecution, or imprisonment. In such moments, he noted, they return to being ordinary citizens in need of courageous voices to speak on their behalf.
“When people are in power, they forget that the position they are occupying is temporary,” Sani stated. “Sowore will come, and you will find him useful the day you are out of power.”
The remarks underscore a recurring theme in Nigerian political discourse: the importance of preserving critical voices and the reality that today’s rulers may tomorrow depend on the very activists they once sought to silence.
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