BY ADEBAYO OLODAN
For publishing pictorial scenes and stories of the politically motivated Agbaji Mayhem, the Editor of National Pilot Newspaper, Christie Doyin was last Thursday summoned by the Department State Security Services of (DSS) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The editor who was accompanied by the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Alhaji Billy Adedamola arrived the DSS office around 2:00pm and were led to the office of the Director, Mrs Iquo Arthur Wowrey.
Though the reception accorded the duo was warm and the atmosphere convivial, the import of the invitation was not lost; the medium was accused by the security agency of biased in the reportage of the incident.
Speaking on what transpired, Adedamola said, “On getting to the DSS office, the Director expressed concern over headlines of the lead story and photo page of last Monday’s edition, claiming that such could exacerbate political tension in the state. She alleged that our story appeared to be one-sided but we countered it, explaining that we have always been objective in our reports and that a reporter is as good as his source.
“We made the DSS boss understand that we talked to the victims of the incident who pointed accusing fingers at members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and we reached out to the leaders of the state (APC) including the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Aro but they neither picked our calls nor respond to the text messages sent to them.”
Speaking further, the MD said that the DSS boss who confirmed the arrest of supporters of both PDP and APC in respect of the crime posited that National Pilot and The Herald newspapers are always biased in their reportage, an argument he disagreed with.
“I informed the Director that we are always objective and that we do our job with high sense of responsibility.
“I pointed out that three days to that publication, we received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) where I informed them that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the forthcoming election is devoid of violence.”
Adedamola added that it is in the interest of everyone to ensure that peace reigns in Kwara, adding that the newspaper cannot afford to be biased because the newspaper enjoys wide readership across members of major political parties in the state and beyond.
Speaking further, the MD said it is difficult for any business, including newspaper houses to thrive under an atmosphere of violence.
In her response, the Editor disclosed that National Pilot newspaper was a victim of political violence in 2002 when its office was bombed by unidentified persons. Christie Doyin added that she is yet to recover fully from the trauma.
Meanwhile, the MD who appreciated the commitment of security agents towards a violence free election however charged them on fairness.
“In as much as I appreciate efforts of the DSS in ensuring there is peace, I however want the security agents to be balanced in discharging their duties so that they will not be seen to be acting out a script.
“It has become a major concern even to the international community who have sounded out a warning to the Federal Government to stop harassing opposition leaders and that include the seemingly unfriendly media. I expect the security agents to treat everybody equally.
He however urged any of the parties involved who may be aggrieved to use the appropriate channels instead of using security apparatus.
“I am aware that Sobi FM which is owned by the opposition was also broadcasting ceaselessly that PDP was responsible for the violence that erupted last Sunday, I am not sure they have been invited but if they have been invited like us, good but if not I am not sure justice is being served.
“We understand that petition was written to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and security agencies over the reports of Sobi FM on the incidence but to the best of our knowledge, nothing has been done.
“We have nothing to gain from exacerbating tension or promoting an atmosphere of insecurity in Kwara. As a matter of fact as of today, National Pilot is the only newspaper in the entire Nigeria that has been carrying advocacy banner against electoral violence on our front page. This is to show the premium we placed on peaceful political conduct in our dear state.”
Adedamola stressed that the medium is ready to work with security agents and other major stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming election is held under peaceful and secured atmosphere.
At the end of the proceedings, the MD said the two teams exchanged pleasantries and contacts adding that, “we were never harassed, intimidated nor threatened and I want to commend the DSS for that. I want them to see National Pilot as a partner and an organisation that means well for the development of Kwara State.”
