Nigerian human rights activist, Olamide Abiodun Thomas, has expressed gratitude to supporters for standing by her during her trial.

She credited the collective resistance and unity of voices against oppression as her source of strength during her recent incarceration.

Olamide was picked up in Lagos and taken to Abuja by the Nigerian police under the directive of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Muyiwa Adejobi, over allegation of insulting them and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking after her release from prison, Olamide recounted her ordeal and how it strengthened her resolve.

Olamide noted that her safety was threatened while she was in police custody but she felt assured to some extent while in ‘Ayoko City.’

“The imaginary king and his colleagues thought they could break me or demoralise me. Unknown to them, they were fortifying me. The more they pressured or inflicted pain, the more determined I became,” she said.

She dismissed her accuser as “a boy in a man’s body who lacks integrity.”

Olamide extended her heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians who supported her fight for justice, specifically Comrade Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement, for his unwavering support.

“Throughout my incarceration in Abuja and Suleja, Comrade Sowore ensured I received essential supplies for daily living. His contributions to humanity are immense,” she said.

She also thanked members of the TIB Movement and the Socialist Workers League (SWL) for their critical roles in securing her freedom.

She said, “I want to use this medium to appreciate everyone who campaigned for my release during the period of incarceration unjustly.

“Recall that over a month ago, I was abducted and hounded to Abuja unlawfully by some power mongers using the police apparatuses.”

She said the so-called VIPs, whom the late Fela Kuti described as ‘Vagabonds in Power,’ believed they were going to shut her up with such illegalities and barrages of attacks.

Olamide said the conscious Nigerians rose and said no.

“The great resistances and unity of voices against oppressions kept my soul and fist high all through the experiences. This short piece is not to argue the issues as my lawyers are already busy with that, but to thank activists, and all conscious Nigerians who made sure the oppressors never mocked my radical stances,” she said.

She said, “To start with, I want to express utmost gratitude to the convener of TIB Movement Comrade Omoyele Sowore for his immense contributions towards humanity. I also thank members of the TIB Movement and Socialist Workers League (SWL) for their unquantifiable roles in fighting for my freedom.”

“Furthermore, I won’t forget to thank whistleblower protection and advocacy groups in Nigeria and the diaspora (such as AFRICMIL) as well as other well-meaning Nigerians and global citizens at large, words alone cannot express how grateful I am.

“I wish to also extend my appreciation to media practitioners who fought for justice to prevail through their reports because it is not easy to stand for the truth in this era of civilian dictatorship where some media outlets have been bought over by the political gladiators,” she said.

She said “the more they pressurize or inflict pains on me, (the more) determined I become! That self-acclaimed Prince is just a boy in a man’s body who lacks integrity”.

“I think destiny took me there for some purposes which are mainly to fight for the liberation of the oppressed, sensitize inmates and their relatives as regards political consciousness and offering ideological education, etc.,” she added.

The female activist explained that during the few weeks she was incarcerated, she was able to discourage acts of tribalism, promote harmonious human relations, and encourage positive discussions focused on humanity.

“Some of the inmates became enlightened and were sending messages to their relatives about what they learnt through me as a revolutionary activist.

“I am glad I was able to reorientate people and as I speak there are people who have had to learn, relearn and unlearn. All of this knowledge was impacted on me by my movement. A revolution might be inevitable soon,” Olamide added.

SaharaReporters