Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has directed some of his aides to withdraw a complaint they filed against social commentator and businessman, Denis Odama.
The governor also instructed the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to review the case and take steps to discontinue the prosecution, with a view to securing Odama’s release from the correctional centre.
Otu disclosed this in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday, following public concerns over Odama’s detention.
According to the governor, he was briefed about the matter after some of his aides reported Odama to the police over comments they considered derogatory and offensive.
“As a father and leader, I have directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against Mr Odama,” Otu said.
He added that the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice had been directed to urgently examine the case and, within their constitutional powers, discontinue the prosecution.
“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,” the governor stated.
Otu said his decision was guided by the constitutional right to freedom of expression, citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
“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.
“I remain committed to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including those who criticise me,” he said.
The governor, however, urged young people to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and in a manner that respects the cultural and moral values of the state.
Odama was arrested by the police in Lagos on August 9 following a complaint reportedly filed by some of Otu’s aides. He was later transferred to Calabar, where he was arraigned and remanded in custody.
His detention sparked criticism from rights activists and political figures, who called for his release.
Meanwhile, Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Ekpenyong Cobham, had earlier said the case was not initiated by the governor or the state government.
Cobham explained that the petition was submitted by the individuals involved in their personal capacities and that the governor’s office and state government should not be regarded as parties to the complaint.
Otu said his mandate from the people of Cross River State required him to listen to their concerns and respond to constructive criticism.
“You voted me as your Governor to listen and to act on positive suggestions, advice, and constructive criticism, and I will continue not only to listen, but to act accordingly,” he said.
