Lawyer writes Meta to reject DSS demand to deactivate Sowore’s account

Abdullateef Fowewe

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has written to Meta Platforms Inc. to reject a request by the Department of State Services (DSS) for the deactivation of the Facebook account of former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore.

Effiong in a letter described the move as “not only legally unfounded” but also a serious danger to the constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression.

He further argued that the laws cited by the SSS were inapplicable and that the post referenced by the agency did not violate Meta’s community standards.

He wrote, “It is imperative to state that the President of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom the SSS is unlawfully, wrongfully and mischievously holding brief for, has not initiated any legal action against our client.

“If he feels that he has a reputation capable of being defamed, Mr. Tinubu ought to seek legal redress in court and put his character to the test. It is the height of impunity for an agency established by law to ensure the internal security of Nigeria to sycophantically deploy its instrumentality for the personal aggrandizement of a politician and a public office holder who is paid with public funds.

“We enjoin Meta to see the sinister demand by the SSS for what it truly is: an egregious effort to massage the ego of the Nigerian President; an effort predicated on grounds that are legally unfounded in an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic journey and foist tyranny on the country.

“In view of the foregoing, we passionately urge Meta Platforms Inc. to reject the demand made by the SSS for the ban/deactivation of our Client’s Facebook account(s), as it is an attempt by the SSS to censor our Client’s voice.

“We urge Meta to uphold the right to freedom of expression, which is part of the values Meta should be associated with.

“Acquiescing to the unlawful and draconian demands of the SSS will set a dangerous precedent and also embolden the government to further clamp down on dissenting voices.”