Cross River: Who is bullying whom?

The public perception in Nigeria is that the federal government is intimidating opposition parties to create a one-party state. However, political intimidation is more active and visible at the state level, where law enforcement agencies are used to silence critics.

A recent case involved Denis Odama, a public commentator from Cross River State, who was arrested in Lagos for allegedly bullying Governor Bassey Otu. Odama's social media post criticized the governor's failure to restore electricity to the Bekwarra community, a promise made two years prior. Odama was detained for four days before being taken to Calabar for prosecution.

While awaiting trial, Odama was remanded in jail. However, the case was later withdrawn, reportedly on the governor's orders. Critics suggest the incarceration was the intended punishment for criticizing the governor, rather than a genuine prosecution. This incident raises concerns about accountability in Nigerian politics and echoes the colonial era's sedition laws, now seemingly incorporated into the Cybercrimes Act, which can lead to charges of treasonable felony, terrorism, and cybercrime.

The prosecution process was opaque, with Odama allegedly abducted rather than invited for questioning. The culture of extended detention through 'friendly' magistrates further complicates the legal landscape. The case highlights a broader issue: Nigerian politicians who avoid accountability often seek elective office, prompting questions about the state of democracy in the country.