Columnist and public affairs analyst, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for its gracious conduct towards activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. Ughegbe made these comments on Channels Television's Sunday Politics, where he discussed allegations of security agency involvement in an incident between Sowore and his supporters at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Ughegbe emphasized that the DSS's conduct towards Sowore should be evaluated alongside the allegations Sowore has made against the agency and other security agencies. He noted that the DSS's Director-General had considered suspending Sowore's trial to allow him to focus on his presidential campaign, but Sowore had rejected the proposal. This decision was later contrasted with Sowore's request for an adjournment to participate in political activities.
The analyst highlighted Sowore's change of heart regarding the trial's suspension, recalling that Sowore had initially rejected the proposal but later requested an adjournment for campaign purposes. Ughegbe also mentioned that Sowore had bypassed his counsel and written directly to the court requesting time to campaign. These events, according to Ughegbe, are crucial in assessing the relationship between Sowore and the DSS.
Ughegbe described the DSS as one of the most professional agencies, especially under its current leadership. He stressed that the DSS has shown restraint in its dealings with Sowore, adding that the agency has the capacity to take untoward actions against him if it chooses to do so. Ughegbe concluded that the DSS has been gracious in its conduct towards Sowore.
However, Ughegbe cautioned that the DSS's graciousness does not exempt it from scrutiny or mean that allegations against it should be ignored. He emphasized that public institutions must be judged based on evidence and their actions assessed in context, rather than on unsubstantiated allegations. Ughegbe also warned against sweeping condemnation of security agencies.
Ughegbe maintained that accountability applies to all parties, including public institutions and individuals like Sowore who make allegations against them. He stressed that as a political actor in the upcoming presidential election, Sowore's words and actions should be scrutinized to ensure that those who want to lead by example.
Ultimately, Ughegbe's comments highlight the complexities of the relationship between Sowore and the DSS, as well as the need for accountability and scrutiny of public institutions and individuals. The DSS's alleged cyberbullying trial of Sowore remains a contentious issue, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter.
Key points
- The DSS has been gracious in its dealings with Omoyele Sowore.
- Ughegbe cautions against sweeping condemnation of security agencies.
- Accountability applies to all parties, including public institutions and individuals like Sowore.
