Between Uba and Gov Ohakim

It has therefore become necessary for media operators to be men of unquestionable characters, pure conscience with good moral exhibition in order to be excellent drivers of society. This is because the operators are like the captain of a ship. The ship’s smooth sail is dependent on the ingenuity of the captain. Recently, the media […]

It has therefore become necessary for media operators to be men of unquestionable characters, pure conscience with good moral exhibition in order to be excellent drivers of society. This is because the operators are like the captain of a ship. The ship’s smooth sail is dependent on the ingenuity of the captain.

Recently, the media in the country; especially the print has been used by some dodgy and unprincipled men against their perceived enemies. These characters, for the simple fact that they have unrestricted access to the media have either resorted to its use as a tool for their selfish desire or as machinery for blackmail and mercenary activities. It has become a trend worse than kidnapping as the sole aim has always been invitation for settlement.

Having said this, I wish to refer to a recent publication in national dailies credited to one Maximus Uba. While the constitution of Nigeria accords individuals the rights to freedom of expression and to hold opinions, it is pertinent, however, to note that one’s right ends where those of the the other’s begin. Thus any opinion that infringes on peoples’ freedom just like the recent allegations against Governor Ohakim by Uba is an aberration and must be checked. My worry is that Maximus Uba as a journalist he calls himself had always refused to balance his writings to equally capture some of the good jobs of the governor. He has persistently shown that he has a personal war to settle with Ohakim and my take is that this personal issue should not be allowed to disrupt the peace of the state.

It would be recalled that earlier in the year, Uba went to court seeking a perpetual order of the court restraining the Imo governor from arresting and/or detaining him based on his write-ups. He is apparently afraid of his shadows. Uba would have waited for the court to dispense of his court case before his rush to the press. I am even disappointed that the court has refused to order for his arrest up till this moment.

Mine is to challenge the Imo state House of Assembly and all the discerning minds of the state to rise up and do justice to Uba’s allegations. The honourable members who have decided to investigate these allegations must ensure that fair hearing is given to each party by summoning them before the committee.

Uba should also be made to produce the facts of his allegations and when found to be true justice be allowed to take its course him. But where he is not able to show evidence to back his claims, he must be prosecuted for wrongfully inciting the public against their governor. This is to guard against future occurrences and the time to sanitize the media industry is here.

Greg Okechukwu Nwadike is the Coordinator, Imo Peoples Movement (IPM) Abuja and Northern region. He is based in Abuja.