Cross River gov orders aides to withdraw case against critic

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has intervened in a case involving social commentator Denis Odama, directing his aides to withdraw a police complaint and instructing the Attorney General to halt prosecution. Odama had been detained following a report by some of the governor's aides over an alleged "derogatory and insidious" statement made against Otu.

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As a father and leader, I have directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against Mr. Odama.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Governor Otu declared, "As a father and leader, I have directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against Mr. Odama." He further mandated the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to "urgently review the matter and, in the exercise of his constitutional discretion, take the necessary steps to discontinue the case." The governor's stated aim is to ensure Odama's swift release from correctional custody and his reunion with his family.

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I have also directed the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State to urgently review the matter and, in the exercise of his constitutional discretion, take the necessary steps to discontinue the case, so that Mr. Odama may be released from the correctional centre without further delay and reunited with his family.

Governor Otu invoked Section 39 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. He affirmed his commitment to upholding this right for all citizens of Cross River State, including those who criticize his administration. "I remain committed to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including those who criticise me," Otu stated.

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I hold a firm belief and faith in the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly Section 39, which guarantees every citizen the right to freely express themselves.

However, the governor also urged young people to exercise their freedom of speech responsibly, considering the state's cultural values and moral standards. He reminded his constituents that they elected him to listen and act on constructive criticism, pledging to continue doing so. The governor's decision reflects a balancing act between protecting free speech and maintaining societal decorum.

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I also encourage our young people, even as they exercise this constitutional freedom, to do so responsibly and with regard for the cultural values and moral standards we hold dear as a people.