Former member of the House of Representatives, Farah Dagogo, has linked his 2023 arrest to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, describing recent developments as a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking in an interview, Dagogo said his arrest ahead of the 2023 governorship election was politically motivated and part of a broader pattern of democratic violations in the state. He cited the March 18, 2025, suspension of the Rivers State Governor, his Deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu as further evidence of constitutional disregard.
“The events in Rivers State remain a stark violation of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy,” Dagogo said. “The unilateral suspension of duly elected officials without recourse to due process sets a dangerous precedent.”
He welcomed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent acknowledgment that the suspension was unconstitutional, describing it as a “belated but welcome” validation of the concerns he had earlier raised in court.
Dagogo called on the Presidency to immediately reverse the suspensions and restore respect for democratic institutions, warning against the use of political power for expediency.
Reflecting on his own ordeal, he pledged to continue championing justice, participatory governance, and the rule of law.
“Nigeria’s democratic journey is still in progress,” he said. “But with collective resolve, we can build a system that truly serves the people.”
