A socio-political organisation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, K-RAD Vanguard has condemned moves by the Osun State Government to subvert the freedom of the press, by threatening to sanction media houses providing platforms for opposition voices to thrive in the state.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday, the group propagating the governorship ambition of Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN) described the move as barbaric, uncivilised and an affront to the responsibility of media organisations.
It warned that efforts by Governor Ademola Adeleke and his aides to gag the media would be heavily resisted by men of conscience and goodwill, warning that such attempts will continue to prevent the full operation of democratic tenets which the government boasts of protecting in the last two years.
K-RAD Vanguard also notes with grave concern comments credited to Kolapo Alimi, Adeleke’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation on the political leanings of Hon. Kehinde Ayantunji, the ex-SSA to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Students Affairs and Social Mobilisation, as asking for his sack in UNIOSUN is inimical to the growth of the opposition as enshrined in the constitution.
The statement jointly signed by the Acting State Coordinator of K-RAD Vanguard, Marooph Salam and Acting Secretary, Abiodun Fanawopo reads, “We, the K-RAD Vanguard, strongly condemn the recent undemocratic attempts by the Osun State Government to silence independent journalism and suppress voices of dissent. The renewed push to gag the press and compel media platforms to echo only the government’s rhetoric even when it is clearly misleading, is a blatant threat to democratic values and media freedom.
“We are particularly appalled by the targeted intimidation of Kehinde Ayantunji, a respected journalist and civil servant, through orchestrated smear campaigns led by Kolapo Alimi and his cohorts. The call for his dismissal from the civil service is not only unjustified but a dangerous precedent. It must be emphasized that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to political affiliation and the expression of political interest as long as it remains within the bounds of the law, which Mr. Ayantunji has dutifully observed.
“This coordinated attack on journalists is unfortunately not new. Just months ago, the state government launched a similar assault on Rafiu Abdulhameed, the Osun State TVC correspondent, dedicating an entire press statement to tarnish his image simply for executing his journalistic duty with professionalism and integrity. The same method has been applied to other journalists who report criticisms of the present administration.
“It is understood that the current wave of desperation by the PDP-led Osun State Government to coerce the media stems from its failure to successfully impose a misinformed and self-serving narrative on the people of Osun State regarding the recent Court of Appeal ruling delivered last Friday.
“The said ruling, contrary to government propaganda, has been thoroughly analysed and revealed to have no consequential impact on the legality of APC chairmen currently serving as the rightful elected officials at the local government level. Unable to manipulate public perception through facts, the state government has now resorted to arm-twisting the press and vilifying those who have helped clarify the legal reality to the people.
“The two-pronged strategy of the Osun State Government targeting both independent media and well-known opposition voices is a desperate and ultimately would amount to futile attempt to crush democratic engagement. Kehinde Ayantunji, who rose to become Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Osun State and later served in the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, is a man whose voice cannot be cowed.
“As a movement working for the actualization of Kunle Rasheed Adegoke’s (K-RAD) gubernatorial aspiration, we reaffirm our commitment to justice and fairness. K-RAD is known for standing against injustice, regardless of who is involved. We believe strongly that an injustice to one is an injustice to all.
“We therefore call on the civil society groups, media organizations, professional bodies, and the Nigerian public to resist these authoritarian tendencies. Our democracy must not be allowed to slide into a climate of fear and suppression.
“Under a K-RAD-led government, press freedom, individual liberties, and the rule of law will not only be protected, they will be institutionalized and nurtured,” the statement noted.