Tobias Sylvester
The Convener of RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore has been nominated to receive the ‘Prisoner of Conscience honour award’ by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States House of Representatives.
US lawmaker, Josh Gottheimer nominated Sowore to receive the prestigious Tom Lantos recognition following his ordeal with the nigerian government.
Gottheimer announced Sowore’s nomination in a meeting that has other American politicians in attendance.
“For months now, I have been working closely with the Sowore family, the Haworth community, the State Department, and my colleagues to advocate on Yele’s (Omoyele) behalf.
“We are urging the Nigerian Government to protect Yele’s safety, provide him with the due process he deserves, and ultimately permit him to return home as soon as possible.
“We will continue watching the situation in Nigeria, a democracy seeking closer ties with the United States, to make sure the government respects basic human rights.”
KanyiDaily had reported that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Tuesday ordered the release of Sowore from unlawful detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sowore was first arrested on August 3, 2019 for planning #RevolutionNow, a series of protests to demand an end to corruption and demand better living conditions for all citizens.
He was briefly released on bail on December 5 but rearrested a few hours later on December 6 by DSS operatives while appearing for his trial in a case brought against him by the Nigerian Government.
He is being accused of insulting President Muhammadu Buhari and planning to bring down his regime.
In all, Sowore spent over four months in detention despite two court orders directing his release on bail during that period.
