Columnist and Public Affairs Analyst, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, has praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for being gracious in its dealings with activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. Ughegbe made this statement on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he examined allegations that security agencies were involved in an incident involving Sowore and his supporters at a restaurant in Ado Ekiti, capital of Ekiti State.
Ughegbe argued that the DSS’s conduct towards Sowore should be weighed side by side the allegations the politician has repeatedly made against the agency and other sister security agencies. He noted that it is public knowledge that the DSS DG considered suspending the trial to enable Sowore to concentrate on his presidential election ambition, but Sowore rejected the proposal. This, according to Ughegbe, contrasts with Sowore’s later request for an adjournment to enable him to partake in political activities.
Ughegbe recalled that Sowore had previously ridiculed the idea of suspending his trial, but later requested an adjournment from the same court. He also noted that Sowore, in a breach of legal procedures, bypassed his counsel and wrote directly to the court requesting time to go and campaign. According to Ughegbe, this sequence of events matters in assessing the relationship between Sowore and the DSS, given the activist’s frequent criticism of the agency as “lawless.”
Despite Sowore’s criticism, Ughegbe stated that the DSS, especially under its current leadership, is one of the most professional agencies. He stressed that the DSS has shown laudable restraint in its dealing with Sowore. Ughegbe continued, saying that the DSS has the capacity to take untoward actions against Sowore, but has instead been gracious.
However, Ughegbe reminded that the DSS’s touted graciousness cannot place the agency above scrutiny or mean that allegations against it should be ignored. He argued that public institutions must be judged on evidence and their actions assessed in context, not on wild allegations. Ughegbe also cautioned against sweeping condemnation of security agencies, reminding that institutional shortcomings do not invalidate every action they take.
Ughegbe maintained that accountability should apply to all parties, including public institutions and people like Sowore who hurl allegations against them. He declared that those who want to lead must lead by example, and as a political actor in the upcoming presidential election, Sowore’s words and actions should be scrutinized.
The analyst concluded by emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing the actions of public figures like Sowore, especially given his presidential ambitions. He reiterated that the DSS’s graciousness towards Sowore does not absolve the activist of his responsibilities, and that all parties must be held accountable for their actions.
Key points
- Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe praises DSS for being gracious in its dealings with Omoyele Sowore
- Ughegbe cautions against sweeping condemnation of security agencies
- Accountability should apply to all parties, including public institutions and individuals like Sowore
