Effiong Warns Afe Babalola: Don’t Let Farotimi’s Case Define Your Legal Legacy

Effiong Warns Afe Babalola: Don’t Let Farotimi’s Case Define Your Legal Legacy

Human rights attorney Inibehe Effiong has urged renowned Nigerian lawyer Afe Babalola not to let the rumored defamation case involving…READ MORE…

fellow lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi overshadow his remarkable six-decade legacy in the legal field. Effiong made these comments during an interview on Channels Television’s program, ‘Inside Sources with Laolu Akande.’

According to Effiong, given Babalola’s age and stature, he should be concerned about his historical impact and legacy; yet, he emphasized that not every transgression warrants extreme measures.

Effiong pointed out that criminal defamation is not a grave crime deserving of lengthy imprisonment. He stated, “Afe Babalola’s name holds significant weight in this country. I’m not certain if there’s a lawyer today older than him or a more senior advocate. He’s essentially a patriarch for senior advocates. With this in mind, I believe he should, with due responsibility and humility, recognize the importance of history and legacy at this stage of his life.

“I don’t want this case to become synonymous with his legacy. If I reach the age of 80, God willing, I would approach such matters with caution, understanding that not every offense necessitates invoking the full force of state institutions, regardless of how offensive the remarks might be.

“Even if there were a conviction, it’s not a crime where one would serve decades behind bars. Perhaps one or two years at most, which is far from a serious felony.”

Effiong also criticized the police for their treatment of Farotimi, insisting they are incapable of meaningful reform. He remarked, “I’m not surprised by the police’s actions. The police in Nigeria are not capable of reform, and I stand by that statement. The police have effectively been privatized.

“I read a commendation where the Inspector General claimed the judiciary is weak and compromised, while it is the same police that has contributed to this deterioration. This is the same IG whose department routinely ignores court orders and illegally detains citizens. The police are a key factor in undermining our judicial process and correctional services, and we must exercise caution.

“It appears that those targeting Dele Farotimi are only reinforcing his position. If a person vocally criticizes an institution, such as the judiciary, I would expect the judiciary itself to be self-aware enough to realize that it is not just one individual facing scrutiny, and be cautious about actions that could create an appearance of impropriety.

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