Following a press release by the People’s Democratic Party in Kwara State decrying the arrest of a social media critic, Olusegun Olushola by the Department of Security Service, DSS, an Abuja-based legal luminary and All Progressive Chieftain, Barrister Senior Ibrahim Sulyman in a quick reaction to the PDP critical statement explained that the DSS has acted within constitutional provisions.
“On the issue of Olushola being invited by DSS It is unfortunate that Kwara PDP is giving political meaning to investigation of crime. It is within the statutory powers of DSS to investigate and even prevent the commission of some crimes; viewing it as a clampdown on opposition elements in the state is with due respect mischievous.
The freedom of expression as envisaged under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ( as amended) like all other rights stated in Chapter IV of the constitution is a limited and/or a qualified right.”
He further stressed that freedom of speech as provided should not be abused.
“For instance, your right ends when another persons right begins; the fact that you have a right to say what you like does not mean you can rain abuses on another man, that is a crime things like criminal defamation of character, inciting of public disorder and intimidation are punishable under our penal laws.
So the press release by Kwara PDP and the petition subsequently written on the issue is aimed at ensuring a lawless society, is a conduct that gives the impression that they have nothing at stake in the peace and development of the state.”
The APC chieftain commended the DSS and other sister agencies for swinging into action to ensure a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
“I will commend the DSS Kwara State command for doing a great job; appeal to them to do more, and enjoy other security agencies to continue to be pro active in ensuring a crime free Kwara State.
He pleaded with the PDP to be productive in its opposition.
“We plead to Kwara PDP to play a responsible opposition role instead of making issues of non-issues.”
Barrister Sulyman maintained that Governor Abdurrahman Abdurrazaq has not contravened constitutional provisions over the suspension of LG chairmen.
“The right to suspend pending investigation is a sacrosanct right, all the supreme court authorities cited talked about dissolution and dismissal, none of it talked about suspension, and in law once it is temporary suspension pending investigation of allegation, the person suspended needs not be heard on it; so the issue of fair_hearing does not arise, since it is a temporary step; he will be heard during investigation before the final decision is taken against them.”
He urged the suspended LG chairmen to await Kwara State House of Assembly finding over allegations levelled against them.
“The suspended Local Government chairmen are advised to save their gun powder till when they will appear before the Kwara Statw house of assembly committee that is looking into the allegations of misappropriation against them.”