Dele Farotimi’s Arrest Turns Book To No.1 Bestseller + Tinubu Opposed VAT In 2019

By Joshua Omoniyi 

In an extraordinary turn of events, the recent arrest of prominent human rights advocate Dele Farotimi has ignited a firestorm of public outrage across Nigeria, leading to a surge in interest around his critically acclaimed book, "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System." As of December 6, 2024, the hashtag #Freedelefarotimi has rapidly gained traction on social media, uniting voices from all walks of life in a collective demand for justice and the immediate release of Farotimi, who is facing allegations of defamation.

Farotimi's arrest, which occurred shortly after an Ekiti State magistrate court remanded him in custody, has not only drawn condemnation from fellow activists and political figures but has also resulted in an unexpected phenomenon: his book has soared to the top of Amazon's bestseller list. The publication, which delves into the alleged exploitation of Nigeria's judicial system by affluent individuals, has climbed to the number one spot in the elections category and ranks 555 among all books on the platform, boasting an impressive 4.9-star customer rating. The timing of this surge is poignant, as it highlights the critical discussions surrounding justice, accountability, and the role of the judiciary in Nigeria.

The book, published on July 2, 2024, serves as a powerful commentary on the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria's legal framework. Farotimi meticulously critiques the ways in which corruption and privilege intertwine, allowing powerful citizens to escape the consequences of their actions. His insights resonate deeply with a populace that has long felt disenfranchised by a system that often appears to favor the wealthy and well-connected. Following his arrest, Roving Heights, a prominent Nigerian bookstore, reported that their website crashed due to unprecedented traffic, as readers flocked to purchase the book and engage with Farotimi's ideas.

As the public discourse continues to swirl around Farotimi's situation, it intersects with broader political developments, notably the ongoing discussions surrounding the controversial Tax Reform Bill. Recently, Senate President Goodwill Akpabio clarified that the National Assembly has not suspended legislative actions regarding the bill, despite conflicting statements from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. This miscommunication has further fueled tensions and debates among lawmakers and the public. Akpabio urged Nigerians to rely on credible news sources, such as Arise TV, rather than social media speculation, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

Meanwhile, political heavyweights have voiced their opinions on the matter. President-Elect Bola Tinubu, who previously opposed a VAT increase during President Buhari's administration, reiterated his stance against policies that could exacerbate the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. During a colloquium in 2019, Tinubu expressed concerns that increasing VAT would diminish the purchasing power of citizens, a sentiment that echoes the frustrations of many in a country grappling with economic challenges.

In a related development, the managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, has taken a stand against the extortion of passengers by security agencies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Kuku's remarks come amid rising complaints from travelers, particularly during the busy holiday season. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced new measures to curb harassment by government agencies, including disbanding joint security inspections that have led to corrupt practices and unnecessary delays.

In a compelling personal account, Margaret Adeyileka, a woman living with a disability, has accused Emirates Airlines of denying her the right to travel with her mobility scooter on a flight from Guangzhou to Lagos. Her plea for accountability from Nigerian authorities highlights the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and the rights of individuals with disabilities in the face of systemic challenges.

In the global arena, U.S. President Joe Biden's recent bilateral visit to Angola has also made headlines, particularly after a moment captured on video showed him appearing to doze off during a speech by Tanzania’s Vice President. This incident quickly went viral, sparking a wave of reactions on social media and drawing attention to the complexities of international diplomacy.

As Nigeria grapples with these pressing issues, the arrest of Dele Farotimi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in the country. The public's response, reflected in the overwhelming support for Farotimi and the surge in sales of his book, underscores a collective yearning for change. In a nation where the voices of the marginalized often go unheard, the call for accountability and justice resonates louder than ever, as Nigerians unite in their demand for a fairer society. 

In conclusion, the events surrounding Dele Farotimi's arrest and the subsequent rise of his book have not only sparked critical conversations about justice and accountability in Nigeria but have also reignited a sense of hope among citizens. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the pursuit of justice remains a pressing theme, inspiring a new generation of activists and thinkers to challenge the status quo and advocate for a brighter future.