Sowore: Don’t Fight Him, Don’t Crush Him Because You Will Need Him After Power - Shehu Sani

Senator Shehu Sani, former representative of the Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has warned those currently in government against attacking or suppressing activist Omoyele Sowore, stressing that power is temporary and those criticizing him today will need him when they’re out of power.

In a video posted by Symfoni TV, Sani made this point while speaking at a public gathering held to celebrate Sowore’s life and long-standing struggle for social justice.

He said leaders in authority often view Sowore as an adversary because of his confrontational style, sharp criticisms, and refusal to compromise on issues of governance and accountability. However, he maintained that this discomfort stems largely from the privileges of power, which make dissent appear hostile.

He described Sowore as a loyal and dependable figure who consistently stands by friends and comrades in moments of difficulty. Sani noted that Sowore has a reputation for defending people at their weakest points and fighting for causes even when doing so attracts personal risk.

He further cautioned that many leaders forget the temporary nature of authority. He observed that history is filled with people who were in power, who once acted as if they were untouchable but later found themselves facing prosecution, persecution, or imprisonment.

He said that in those moments, they became ordinary citizens dependent on the fairness of others. Sani urged leaders to remember that once power fades, they return to the same level as everyone else, where voices like Sowore’s may become their strongest defense.

In his words, "If you are in government, you are likely to see Sowore as an enemy, as an adversary. But don't fight him; don't crush him because you will need him after power."

"For those who are in government today, you may find Sowore very uncomfortable in things he says and things he does. You will find his words bitter, you will find his words poisonous, and you may find things he does as toxic, maybe because you are in power."

"But Sowore will come, and you will find him useful the day you are out of power. When people are in power, they forget that the position they are occupying is temporary."