The former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, has sparked outrage in the Nigerian political sphere after making a shocking statement disavowing the efforts of Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor.
For the avoidance of doubt, Arase had reacted to the suit initiated by Eholor and 26 other human rights organizations, questioning the sacking of Arase, a process that didn’t follow due constitutional process. The report is captured in the news by several media outfits, including Jungle-Journalist.Com.
Eholor, known for his fierce activism and unwavering commitment to justice, had sued the federal government over the illegal removal of Arase from his position as PSC chairman. This bold move was widely applauded by many, who saw it as a courageous stand against political injustice and corruption.
In his personal message to Dr Eholor, Arase threatened, in quote –
“You can not stand for me without my brief. Bring down this post immediately. Am not desperate for any job, l have moved on. This your conduct is distasteful. Deal immediately or there will be dire consequences”.
As if that was not enough, he had promptly followed up the threat with the following message in a public group –
“He is on a voyage of his own, I resent this self-serving endeavors. I have moved on and don’t have any intention to continue with the PSC. He should immediately stop this unsolicited action”.
This shocking about-face has left many in the Nigerian political community feeling shocked and disappointed. Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor, in particular, has expressed dismay at Arase’s callous disregard for the struggle for justice, stating, “Solomon Arase has shown himself to be a coward, more interested in saving face than in standing up for what is right.”
It is utterly baffling and deeply concerning that someone like Solomon Arase, a man trained in the law and with a position as a leader in the Nigerian justice system, would stand in the way of Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor’s legal efforts to fight against injustice.
Arase’s actions demonstrate a disturbing lack of commitment to the very principles of justice and fairness that he is supposed to uphold.
By seeking to block Eholor’s efforts to hold the federal government accountable for Arase’s illegal removal, the former PSC chairman has revealed his true colors.
This is not just a betrayal of Eholor’s efforts, but a betrayal of the Nigerian people, who deserve to live in a society where the rule of law is respected and injustice is challenged at every turn.
The hypocrisy of Arase’s position is impossible to ignore. He, a man of the law, has shown himself to be unwilling to use the very tools at his disposal to stand up for what is right.
Meanwhile, Eholor, an activist and leader in the fight for justice, has been left to carry the burden alone.
It is hearty to note here that 26 other human rights organizations joined the suit to see that the Nigerian constitution is not rubbed in the mud, whether it is about Arase, with his ungrateful attitude or with any other Nigerian.
In light of Solomon Arase’s opposition, and singling out Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor to threaten for his efforts to use the law to challenge his illegal removal and his failure to effectively address critical issues during his tenure as PSC Chairman, we must consider the possibility that Eholor’s life may be in danger.
If Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor were to experience any harm or even death, given Arase’s opposition to his legal efforts and his potential motivation to silence a vocal critic, the public must hold Arase accountable.
We cannot stand idly by while those who seek justice are met with hostility and intimidation. The life of Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor, a champion of justice and an unwavering voice for the people, must be protected at all costs.
If anything were to happen to him, it would be a tragedy not only for his family and friends, but for the Nigerian people as a whole. His courage and leadership serve as a beacon of hope for those who seek a more just and equitable society.
We must not allow Solomon Arase or any other power to silence Eholor’s voice.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote perfectly encapsulates the strength of character demonstrated by Chief Dr. Patrick Osagie Eholor.
In this time of challenge and controversy, we must stand with him. Let us honor his commitment to justice and his unwavering pursuit of truth by defending his right to speak out, even when it is inconvenient for those in power.
Remember, silence in the face of injustice is complicity.
For the records, Chief Dr Patrick Osagie Eholor has recorded several years of continuous fight for the people of Nigeria, and the rule of law.
A social crusader, he studied Sociology from Humber College, Etobicoke, Canada after when he has attended both his primary and secondary school in Nigeria.
Dr. Patrick is seen as a bold and brave patriotic who has single handedly taken actions that benefits the society by founding One Love Family and Caring Association (One Love Foundation, Nigeria), a non-profit/non-governmental organization, which he pioneered in the year 2000, to propagate his philanthropic ideals.
Known for his beliefs on equal rights and Justice, Chief Dr. Patrick Eholor, popularly referred to as Ultimate Equal, was awarded a Doctorate in Humanities, having been involved in humanist struggles for over 30 years.
He initiated calls for the signing of the Freedom of Information Bill into law during the late President Musa Yaradua’s regime, took ASUU to Court, and was arrested for being a major solicitor to ‘End SARS’ brutality.
Eholor about 30 years ago, led a protest for the fixing of Lagos Benin expressway, with the road being closed completely all through the period of protests. The FG consequently fixed the road! He has since led several such protests that yielded dividends.
He has campaigned against sex-for grades in universities, sued the FG for printing the Nigerian passport in Malaysia, spoken out against the shenanigans around the Benin water storm project of both Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki.
He had also campaigned against open grazing and Ruga settlements across the country, fought for reforms in the police, military, Customs and the Immigration Services.
The list is endless. So, it is a serious disservice to Nigeria to single out this humanist and statesman because you want to please the state. He has done a lot for Nigeria and thr least he deserves is a pat in the back, not a slap in the form of threats.