In the early days of the present administration in Kogi state, we had a bold attempt by government through the security agencies to create an atmosphere of fear for perceived political foes when residences were invaded commando-style and in some instances vandalization of properties during the nocturnal visits. Famous of these is the saga of Hon. Cornelius Olowo which ended in court but was thrown out because it was nothing but mere malicious prosecution. At that time, one could understand though not excuse the brazen impunity considering the uncertainty during that period; in view of the litigation. After the Supreme Court judgment, I admonished government to face the task ahead and resist the temptations to engage in frivolities; an unsolicited advice it appeared was heeded but the latest invasion of the residence of Prince Friday Ogungbemi is a recall of the futile attempt to muzzle freedom of expression of supposed wailers.
A perusal of the publication being speculated as the reason for the arrest in my informed but humble opinion is not in anyway a threat to the security of the state. The scenario playing out is akin to invoking the god of thunder (sango) to find a needle; the curse is obviously greater than the lost item.
If the Chief of Staff, whose name was mentioned sees anything libelous in the said publication, the reasonable, respectable and honorable thing to do is seek legal redress. Gladly, the Governor, HE, Alh. Yahaya Bello through his DG, Media & Strategy, Evangelist Femi Fanwo has disassociated himself from the arrest.
For over 48 hours, a journalist was picked and locked up away from family and work as being alleged because his wailing embarrassed an appointed official of state. The credible option is to lay bare the falsehood in the publication, if any by using the instrumentality of the law to address same and seek redress not only to clear issues but by asking for retraction and compensation for any perceived injury.
Because the buck stops on the Governor’s table, questions will be directed his way whenever an absurdity becomes a hobby of any of the appointees under his watch.
This administration don’t need this distraction; its unnecessary and avoidable.
As dire as the situation in the country is, the perceived personal discomfort of any official of state, his station and status notwithstanding is not and can never be equivalent to threat to state security and should not be garbed as such in a funny but unfortunate bid to rationalize an illegality. It is only in this clime that individuals are arrested on spurious allegations just to massage the ego of those in power.
The DSS should as a matter of urgency release Prince Friday Ogungbemi if by now nothing feasible to secure conviction of any alleged crime is found against him or he should be charged to Court.
NUJ, Kogi state chapter must go beyond rhetoric and take every legal step to actualize the release of their colleague from the gaol of DSS.
After all being said, I am duty bound to ask; IS THE ARREST AND DETENTION OF PRINCE FRIDAY OGUNGBEMI A CONSEQUENCE OF ANY CRIME OR JUST THE DISPLAY OF DESPOTIC APPREHENSION? Only time can tell!
– Aiyenigba Olalekan
