Good morning distinguished colleagues. While I strongly condemn the arrest of Mr. Ilediagu by the police, let me appreciate you all for the show of solidarity towards getting him released.
If Ilediagu was arrested for the publication he made, then we should get ready to protect the profession as we may be sliding into civil dictatorship.
Did we notice any pandemonium in Enugu state last week? The answer is yes.
Was there a sit-at-home order in the State and indeed the southeast? The answer is yes.
Did the Enugu residents hear gun shots across the state? The answer is yes.
Did we notice residents of Enugu state running for their dear lives? The answer again is yes.
Did we notice the police Armored Vehicles and helicopters speeding through the streets and hovering all over Enugu chasing the enforcers of the sit-at-home order? The answer is yes.
Did the police kill four people said to be some of the enforcers of the illegal order? The answer also is yes.
How then did Mike Ilediagu commit an offence by just reporting what he observed?
Except there’s another reason other than this, I think Mike should activate the process of seeking redress in court for illegal detention and claiming damages. By this, the police will think before making such arrests in future.
Let me still add that Mike’s experience should not cow us into shirking from our responsibilities as the watchdogs of the society. Let’s make the story go viral .
This is part of the sacrifices we make in defense of democracy and freedom of expression.
Once again, I appreciate the two “Iron Ladies” that got to the police station first, the National President that weighed in through phone calls when it mattered most and all others who played roles in getting Mike released. Thank you all for the show of love. My name is Harrison Ogara, member representing Igbo Eze South in the State House of Assembly.
