Arthur Jarvis Calls for Release of Detained Cross River Businessman Odama
By Benjamin GBOR
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Achibong, has appealed to the state government to show mercy and secure the immediate release of young businessman Dennis Odama, who was reportedly arrested in Lagos over comments he made on social media about the Cross River State Government.
Achibong said although he did not support the language allegedly used by Odama in the publication, citizens should not lose their freedom simply for criticising those in government.
The PDP candidate said political disagreements could be intense without becoming abusive, stressing that public officials must also be prepared to face criticism and uncomfortable questions from citizens.
According to him, Cross Riverians are currently dealing with economic hardship, unemployment and difficulties meeting basic obligations such as school fees, rent and medical bills.
“People are in pain. People are frustrated. People have expectations of their leaders, and when those expectations are not met, people will ask questions.”
Achibong cited the words of Lord Justice Sedley on freedom of expression, saying that free speech must extend beyond views that are merely inoffensive to include speech that may be irritating, contentious, unwelcome or provocative.
He described Odama as more than a social media user, noting that he is a businessman, employer of labour and someone whose detention could affect his workers, customers and family.
Achibong said Odama had reportedly been remanded at the Afokang Correctional Centre and could spend about a week or more away from his family and business.
He, however, said that even a short period of detention could have serious consequences for a small business, including lost customers, unpaid workers and unmet financial obligations.
The PDP candidate questioned whether an offensive criticism of government should result in a citizen being kept behind prison walls.
“We must be extremely careful about creating a society where laws intended to protect people from genuine cyber crime become instruments that ordinary citizens fear whenever they wish to question those in authority.”
Achibong further urged the government to respond to criticism through facts, performance and superior ideas rather than intimidation, while calling on citizens to exercise responsibility in their use of freedom of expression.
He also raised questions about electricity supply in parts of Cross River State, including Bekwara, Odukpani, Boki and Ikom, saying such issues were among the concerns citizens expected the government to address.
The governorship candidate appealed to the government and other parties involved in the matter to “allow mercy to speak”, insisting that doing so would not amount to weakness but demonstrate leadership.
“I want a Cross River where people can disagree with their governor. I want a Cross River where journalists can ask uncomfortable questions. I want a Cross River where young people can challenge public policies,” Achibong said.
He called for Odama to be allowed to return to his family, workers and livelihood, describing his appeal as a human rather than political intervention.
“Politics will come and go. Governments will come and go. But the freedom we protect today will determine the kind of society our children inherit tomorrow,” he added.
