A legal practitioner, Emmanuel Ogar, has called on citizens to consistently apply lawful pressure on their leaders and elected representatives to ensure the fulfillment of their official responsibilities. He made this statement on Wednesday in reaction to the invitation of his client, Mr. Fred Obi, by security agencies due to Mr. Obi’s alleged involvement in a protest at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) two days prior.
Ogar emphasized that there is no wrongdoing in holding public officials accountable when they fail or neglect their duties. He stated, “Where they are slow in performing their obligations, it is our duty to exert legitimate pressure on them to act rightly and to hold them answerable for their actions and omissions. Any public officer who cannot tolerate criticism should step down.”
The lawyer expressed disapproval of public officials who employ state security apparatus to intimidate citizens exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech and expression. He criticized the conduct of the complainant, believed to be the university leadership, against his client, describing the actions as a calculated move to use state security as a tool of intimidation.
According to Ogar, such behavior poses a serious threat to the fundamental rights of citizens, including those of his client. However, he acknowledged the professionalism, restraint, and courtesy exhibited by the Department of State Services (DSS) during their engagement with Mr. Obi.
In his own statement following the session with the DSS, Mr. Obi also commended the service for their professional handling of the matter. He recounted, “I had a brief interaction with the Director, who demonstrated great professionalism and knowledge in addressing issues. I was told that multiple calls had been made to the Service alleging that I led or incited the student protest in Calabar, which prompted my invitation. I received advice on several points, and I can say that the Director was fatherly in his approach and showed a high level of comradeship.”