Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has ordered the withdrawal of the complaint against young Cross Riverian, Denis Odama, who was reportedly arrested and prosecuted over a statement made against the governor.
Governor Otu, in a statement on Wednesday, said he had been fully briefed on the matter and had directed the aides who reported Odama to the police to withdraw their complaint.
He also directed the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to urgently review the case and, in the exercise of his constitutional powers, take the necessary steps to discontinue the case.
According to the governor, the move is to ensure that Odama is released from the correctional centre without further delay and reunited with his family.
The case had generated public attention after Odama was reportedly arrested in Lagos following a complaint linked to an allegedly derogatory statement against Governor Otu.
However, Otu said his decision to intervene was informed by his belief in the constitutional right of citizens to express themselves.
The governor specifically cited Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, stressing that the right must be respected even when citizens use it to criticise those in positions of authority.
> “I remain committed to upholding this right for all Cross Riverians, including those who criticise me,” Otu said.
The governor, however, appealed to young people in the state to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly, urging them to consider the cultural values and moral standards of Cross River people.
Otu said Cross Riverians elected him to listen to their concerns, suggestions, advice and criticisms, adding that he would continue to listen and take action where necessary.
The governor's intervention effectively signals a move away from the prosecution of Odama, with the state Attorney General now expected to take the necessary legal steps following the withdrawal of the complaint.
Otu also used the opportunity to remind Cross Riverians that the responsibility of protecting the peace and development of the state belongs to everyone.
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