Mr Macaroni Alleges Political Influence Over Civil Matters, Slams Nigerian Police
Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, a well-known social activist and skit maker, has strongly criticized the Nigerian police for allegedly allowing political elites to use them to oppress ordinary citizens.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Mr Macaroni raised concerns about the increasing trend of treating civil matters as criminal issues due to political differences. His comments come after the arrest of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and political activist, following a defamation petition filed by senior lawyer Afe Babalola.
The popular activist expressed his disapproval, stating that this situation epitomizes the “brazen impunity” that he believes is chronicled in Farotimi’s book titled “Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.”
Mr Macaroni shared his anger, saying: “How does one describe this insanity? Using the Police to abduct a person from one state to another state, the intimidation and harassment of his staff, seizure of their phones… How many crimes have been committed here while trying to investigate whether Mr Farotimi actually committed a crime?”
He went on to question the role of the Nigerian police, asking: “For how long will the Nigerian Police continue to allow themselves be used by the 'High and Mighty' to oppress Nigerians?”
The activist highlighted that the situation exemplifies the problems of supporting the idea of civil matters being treated as criminal offenses based on political affiliations, resulting in the wealthy and influential exploiting the system.
He added: “We have opened the season to the rich and influential who can have a Nigerian arrested by the police because the person said that the big man’s fart stinks.”
Mr Macaroni also expressed frustration with the system, stating that it allows innocent individuals to suffer while the powerful abuse their influence without consequences.
Opinion: Mr Macaroni’s Alarm on Political Influence in Policing – What’s Next for Nigeria?
Mr Macaroni’s remarks highlight an alarming issue that’s deeply embedded in Nigerian society: the growing misuse of power and the political influence over civil matters. His call to address the police’s complicity in this oppression echoes the frustrations many Nigerians feel as the boundaries between civil and criminal matters continue to blur, often for political gain.
Mr Macaroni’s concerns over "abuse of power" are not just an isolated observation; they reflect the broader issue of systemic corruption that has plagued the Nigerian justice system for years. When the police become tools of political elites rather than neutral enforcers of the law, the very foundation of justice is shaken.
This is not just a problem for political activists or lawyers; it concerns every Nigerian who believes in fairness and justice. Should ordinary citizens live in fear of being punished simply for expressing an opinion, particularly when those in power view dissent as a threat?
What do you think of Mr Macaroni’s stance on this? Have you witnessed political influence affecting justice in Nigeria? What changes do you think are needed to ensure a more just and equal system for all citizens, regardless of political status?
