An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Oyo State, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari, to setup an independent panel of enquiry to investigate the alleged invasion of court by the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS), to rearrest Sahara Reporters publisher, Mr. Omoyele Sowore. He further said that the Federal Government should do so as a matter of urgency.

According to our reporter, who was on the scene, Mr. Sowore was rearrested last week, just a few hours after he was released by the DSS at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

While reacting to the event, Mr. Ajanaku called on the appropriate Federal authorities to conduct an unbiased investigation to find out the mystery behind what he called a “show of shame which desecrated the nation’s temple of justice”.

The APC chieftain, during the press conference on Tuesday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, decried the ugly incident and demanded that those concerned officers be brought to book.

He noted that the court invasion was barbaric and disrespect for the constitution of Nigeria.

Ajanaku said,

While I wouldn’t want to poke nose into a case already in court, it, however, behoves on me to categorically state here that the drama that happened inside the competent court of law on Friday, last week is unacceptable, embarrassing.

This could be an act or attempt to disparage the APC led Federal Government and to portray President Muhammadu Buhari as unrepentant human rights violator, as well as an apostle of anarchy government.

Ajanaku cautioned the Federal Government not to succumb to pressure from anyone during investigation and should not allow the report to be thrown into the waste bin or under the carpet, but make sure that the report is published publicly and that such is the only way to clear the party and President Buhari’s names.

What people failed to realise is the possibility of enemies within. If the allegations against the DSS are found to be true, then no one must be shielded but allow to face the wrath of law.

One wonders why an agency of the Federal Government that has every instrument to arrest any citizen without causing embarrassment for the nation descended so low to ridicule the entire nation before the international community.

Knowing the importance of the case involved and that over 200 million people across the globe were glued either to the television or social media waiting for the pronouncement of the court, the act is unforgivable and action must be taken accordingly.

On the other hand, should the allegation of stage-managing the situation levelled by the DSS against Sowore’s group be unveiled to be right, then it should be seen as a criminal act and must be addressed accordingly. So, I believe the presidency should as a matter of urgency constitute an independent panel of enquiry to fish out those behind the ugly incident.

It’s stupidity that can make someone to take a sensitive issue of this nature for granted or with levity. The issue has started generating heat both within and outside the country. The respect, dignity, and honour accorded Nigerians living abroad will be affected. Nigeria International Trade will suffer setback, investors from developed nations will be discouraged.

How do you expect a citizen from a country accused of having no respect for the rule of law to be treated? Already, America has started investigating the issue.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.