As you turn the last page of "Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System," the echoes of Farotimi's words linger, urging you to act. The silence has been broken, but the real work begins now. Here’s the humor: the powers that be, scrambling to silence one man, only to amplify his message a thousandfold.

When a single influential voice breaks through enforced conformity in any repressive system in Nigeria, Africa, and globally, several key patterns tend to emerge in sequence:

First, there's often an initial shock effect - This a social phenomenon where individuals hesitate to express their opinions if they perceive themselves to be in the minority, due to fear of social isolation.
When someone breaks this silence by voicing a forbidden or unpopular opinion, it can disrupt the prevailing social norms, demonstrating that open discussion is possible. This act often leads to a polarized reaction:

Condemnation: Supporters of the existing regime or dominant opinion may react harshly, criticizing the dissenting voice to maintain the status quo.

Private Recognition: Conversely, individuals who have privately held similar thoughts may feel validated and encouraged, realizing they are not alone in their views.

This dynamic illustrates how challenging the spiral of silence can initiate social change by empowering previously silent individuals to express their opinions.

When Dele Farotimi’s book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, was released, it sent ripples through the socio-political reality of Nigeria. In a nation where enforced conformity and systemic repression have long held sway, the book’s unflinching critique of the criminal justice system exemplifies how a single influential voice can shatter the "spiral of silence."

The second phase usually involves what social scientists call "preference falsification" beginning to break down.
"Preference falsification," a term coined by social scientist Timur Kuran. It describes the act of misrepresenting one's true preferences due to perceived social pressures. As individuals begin to express their genuine beliefs, others who privately held similar views but feared expressing them start to recognize they're not alone. This can lead to a tipping point where previously unspoken truths become openly discussable, often referred to as an "emperor has no clothes" moment.

The third phase typically involves the emergence of what political scientists call "informational cascades." When a truth-teller maintains their stance despite external pressure, it can lead to a situation where many individuals update their beliefs based on the actions or statements of others, often without independent verification. This phenomenon can reach a tipping point, causing rapid collapse of preference falsification, as observed during the East German revolution of 1989.

The Initial Shock

A typical Nigerian courtroom, where corruption and bureaucracy allegedly dominate. Bribes are exchanged with casual efficiency, and justice is a commodity for the highest bidder. Farotimi’s book breaks this silence, spotlighting what millions privately acknowledge but rarely articulate: "the system is rigged against the poor and powerless."

Upon its release, the book was met with polarized reactions. Regime supporters lambasted it as "subversive," accusing Farotimi of undermining national stability. Yet, across Nigeria, in homes and informal gatherings, people whispered in agreement. For the first time, many felt seen. The forbidden had been spoken aloud.

Following the arrest of human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi over defamation allegations by legal luminary Afe Babalola, his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, experienced a surge in popularity, becoming a bestseller. The legal dispute, which included Farotimi's arrest and subsequent bail set at ₦50 million, drew significant public attention and sparked debates on free speech and the decriminalization of defamation in Nigeria. This heightened visibility and widespread discussion contributed to the book's increased sales and bestseller status.

Real-Life Example: The SARS Protests

The #EndSARS movement exemplifies the "shock phase." When citizens began documenting and sharing their experiences with police brutality, a suppressed truth was brought into the open. Just as Farotimi’s book initiated a public discourse on the justice system, these firsthand accounts revealed the pervasive rot in law enforcement. The shock wasn’t just in the brutality but in the collective realization: we are not alone.

Cracks in the Wall of Preference Falsification

As the initial shock reverberates, what social scientists term "preference falsification" begins to erode. Individuals who had been silent out of fear now find their courage. Conversations shift from private whispers to public declarations.

In the Nigerian context, this phase often unfolds on social media. Platforms like Twitter amplify voices that were once isolated. Consider the viral threads exposing fraudulent police practices or videos of unjust detentions. Each post acts like a chisel, creating hairline cracks in the facade of state-controlled narratives.

Historical Parallel: The “Aluu Four” Lynching

When the tragic lynching of four students in Aluu sparked national outrage in 2012, it mirrored this phase. For years, mob justice had been an unspoken norm in Nigeria, accepted but rarely discussed. The Aluu incident broke this taboo, prompting widespread debates on the failures of law enforcement and community vigilance.

Informational Cascades and Tipping Points

The regime’s reaction often determines the trajectory of societal change. If truth-tellers can withstand pressure—legal threats, media blackouts, or even imprisonment—they pave the way for "informational cascades." Suddenly, what was once whispered in private becomes common knowledge.

In Nigeria, such cascades are not unprecedented. The fall of the military junta in 1999 followed years of sustained civil disobedience, amplified by voices like Ken Saro-Wiwa. His activism against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta ignited a global outcry, forcing the regime to confront issues it had long suppressed.

The "Lekki Toll Gate Massacre"

A more recent example is the Lekki Toll Gate incident during the #EndSARS protests. Despite attempts to silence witnesses, survivors’ testimonies and live-streamed footage galvanized international attention. The government’s denials only fueled the spread of truth, illustrating how efforts to suppress dissent can backfire.

What Next for Nigeria?

Farotimi’s book challenges Nigerians to envision a justice system built on accountability and fairness. But change requires more than critique; it demands sustained action. Drawing lessons from Václav Havel’s The Power of the Powerless, Nigerians must recognize their collective strength. A single voice can spark change, but a chorus can sustain it.

Practical Steps for Every Nigerian:

Leverage Technology: Use encrypted apps and social media to share stories and mobilize support.

Educate Communities: Host grassroots workshops on legal rights and civic responsibilities.

Build Alliances: Collaborate with international human rights organizations to amplify local issues.

Document Injustices: Create a centralized database of evidence, from wrongful arrests to court injustices.

As Farotimi’s work continues to challenge Nigeria’s status quo, it’s clear that breaking the spiral of silence is only the beginning. The journey toward justice and equity requires persistence, courage, and a collective will to confront uncomfortable truths. Just as Solzhenitsyn and Havel inspired movements in their contexts, so too can Nigeria’s truth-tellers light the path forward.

You've laughed at the absurdity, you've felt the sting of truth, but now the curtain's closing on the show of silence. Remember, every great revolution starts with someone who decides the joke's gone on long enough.
Well, well, well! Dele Farotimi aimed to write a book, and what did he get? A bestseller, courtesy of the very system he critiqued. It's like trying to swat a fly and accidentally knocking over the entire beehive. Now, isn't that the funniest twist? The system, in all its might, became the best marketer for truth. Don't just read this piece; open up your sense of humor and your social media. Spread the word, repost the absurdity, and let's keep this show going!

DR MELCHISEDEC BANKOLE

Like I have mentioned before, Dele is the true definition of Omoluabi. A real Icon of the Omoluabi heritage. No one cöme close presently. The önly persön that comes close is Kemi Badenoch

.Every other fake Omoluabi is political sophisticated one who sees corruption, injustice & failure & say " Darling daddy is doing great, on your fraudulent mandate i must stand"

This are not Omoluabis on the level of of Femi & kemi but hungry depraved tribal lunatics

DatNiggaDaz:


Like I have mentioned before, Dele is the true definition of Omoluabi. A real Icon of the Omoluabi heritage. No one cöme close presently. The önly persön that comes close is Kemi Badenoch

.Every other fake Omoluabi is political sophisticated one who sees corruption, injustice & failure & say " Darling daddy is doing great, on your fraudulent mandate i must stand"

This are not Omoluabis on the level of of Femi & kemi but hungry depraved tribal lunatics

Trust me there are no good Yorubas. Come to Edo state and see how they sow tribalism, how they always try to make two brothers or friend fight each other. They are so desperate to tell us how we and them are the same just to try to fuel their anti Ibo hate and nonsense rhetoric.

Trust Yoruba at your own peril. That tribe is anything but good