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Respite is on the way for detained businessman and social media critic, Denis Odama, as Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has ordered the withdrawal of the police complaint against him.
Daily Sun reports that Odama has been detained since his August 9 arrest by the police after some of the governor’s aides filed a criminal complaint against him.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday night, the governor said he had been fully briefed on the case involving Odama who was reported to the police by some of his aides over “a derogatory and insidious statement made against my person.”
Otu said he acted in his capacity as “a father and leader” and directed the aides involved to withdraw their complaint against the young Cross Riverian.
“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 said.
Odama, a car dealer and indigene of Cross River, was arrested in Lagos by police operatives on August 9 and moved to Calabar reportedly in handcuffs for arraignment over allegations of “online bullying” of the governor.
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His arrest and continued detention drew criticism from civil society groups, opposition figures and netizens, who called for his “immediate and unconditional release”.
The governor cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
Otu said, “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, however, urged young people to exercise the freedom “responsibly and with regard for the cultural values and moral standards we hold dear as a people.”
“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 added.
