THIS DAWN — The South East Patriots (SEP) have strongly criticised human-rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, over his recent comments regarding the Federal Government’s efforts to secure the lawful transfer of former Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu from a prison in the United Kingdom to Nigeria under internationally recognised protocols.
In a statement signed by Obunike C. Ohaegbu, National Coordinator of SEP, the group described Falana’s remarks as “legally unfounded, factually inaccurate, and recklessly delivered”.
SEP insisted that the senior lawyer misinformed the public and inflamed ethnic sensitivities at a time when national unity remained fragile.
According to SEP, Falana’s intervention demonstrated a troubling disregard for the legal frameworks governing international prison transfers.
“Rather than enlightening Nigerians, his assertions misled and added no value to responsible national discourse,” the group said.
Warning Against Ethnic Misrepresentation
The group expressed concern that Falana’s comments unwittingly bolster dangerous narratives that portray the Nigerian state as hostile to the Igbo ethnic group.
SEP noted that such remarks, especially from respected figures, widen ethnic divides and give ammunition to separatist propagandists.
Such propagandists, SEP noted, exploit any perceived slight against the Igbo population to deepen mistrust and resentment.
“At a time when responsible speech is essential, Falana’s statements were unnecessary and harmful,” the group warned.
‘Citizen Diplomacy Is a Global Norm’
SEP argued that the Federal Government’s intervention is in line with global diplomatic standards.
It emphasised that strong nations protect their citizens abroad irrespective of circumstances.
The group cited the UK’s intervention in the case of Mark Thatcher, son of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher was assisted by his government despite admitting involvement in an attempted coup in Equatorial Guinea.
“If Ekweremadu were a British parliamentarian convicted in Nigeria, the UK would not rest until he was defended, protected, and returned home,” SEP stated.
South East Patriots insisted that Nigeria must not abandon its own.
Commending the Federal Government
The organisation praised the Federal Government for acting “responsibly and humanely” in pursuing Ekweremadu’s prison transfer under established bilateral mechanisms.
It stressed that transfer does not overturn the UK conviction but ensures the former lawmaker serves the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria.
That will bring him closer to his family, as well as within a familiar justice system.
“This is not favouritism—it is a sovereign obligation,” the group noted.
Calls for Responsible Public Engagement
SEP reaffirmed that all Nigerians deserve fair and humane treatment globally.
He cautioned public figures against making inflammatory statements that reinforce ethnic stereotypes or distort legitimate humanitarian interventions.
Concluding, the group called on Falana to exercise restraint: “Nigeria needs informed engagement, not grandstanding.
“Leaders of Falana’s stature must avoid comments that deepen national fault lines,” it added.
