Nigerian human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi recently took to his official X account (formerly Twitter) to denounce the growing trend of disrespectful discourse directed at individuals with differing political views.
In his post, Farotimi emphasized that expressing a political stance does not justify abusive treatment from those who lack basic decency and communication skills.
“Having a political position is NOT an invitation to be unjustly disrespected by inbred morons who are lacking in basic human decency and communication skills,” Farotimi wrote.
His statement highlighted his frustration with the toxic nature of online interactions, where debates often spiral into personal attacks rather than constructive exchanges.
Farotimi further addressed those who fail to recognize the need for civility, stating, “That you can’t understand this, and have become as uncouth, renders you similarly unfit for engagement.”
His words suggest a refusal to engage with individuals who resort to disrespect and incivility instead of meaningful dialogue.
The activist’s remarks come amidst broader discussions about the quality of political discourse on social media, where insults and derogatory language frequently overshadow substantive conversations.
Farotimi’s recent experiences have drawn attention to the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and the repercussions of online interactions.
In December 2024, he was arrested in Lagos and transported to Ekiti State by the Nigerian Police Force over alleged defamation related to his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.
The arrest, based on a petition filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola, sparked outrage among civil rights groups who viewed it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
Following widespread criticism and advocacy for his release, Farotimi expressed deep gratitude to Nigerians who rallied behind him, acknowledging their support transcended ethnic and religious differences.
“You would not see me as a Yoruba man, you spoke for me. You would not see me as a Christian, you spoke for me,” he said.
