The activities of the Ovu Political Alliance (OPA) and the lingering face-off between the Ethiope East Council Chairman, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, and Vincent Aki, popularly known as MC Aproko, have continued to generate mixed reactions across Ovu Kingdom and beyond.
From every indication and assessment since its formation, the Ovu Political Alliance, OPA, parades young intellectuals and vibrant youths with the vision of sanitizing the political space in Ovu community and changing the political narrative for the better.
The group was largely perceived as a political pressure organization established to enlighten, educate and sensitize the people politically while promoting accountability and good governance.
However, it has become confusing and worrisome how the group suddenly abandoned its primary mission to consistently act as the mouthpiece of the Ethiope East Council Chairman, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe.
This development has raised serious concerns among members of the community, especially considering that the council chairman already has a fully established Social Media Press Unit saddled with the responsibility of speaking for him officially.
The role currently being played by OPA appears to suggest either inefficiency or outright incompetence on the part of the chairman’s media team.
If the Social Media Press Unit is active and functioning effectively, then there should ordinarily be no reason for OPA to continually engage in media battles and public defense on behalf of the council chairman.
The persistent involvement of OPA in matters relating to governance and political controversies surrounding the chairman does not appear to align with the original mission and vision of the group.
Rather than focusing on community development and political reorientation, the group now seems more interested in political defense and image laundering.
There is absolutely nothing wrong if OPA willingly chooses to defend Hon. Ogedegbe politically, but the group should consider removing the name “Ovu” from its identity so it will not be interpreted as speaking on behalf of the entire Ovu community.
Many people within the community may not share the same views or political alignment with the group, and it would therefore be unfair for the actions of a few individuals to be seen as the collective position of Ovu people.
On the face-off between Vincent Aki, popularly known as MC Aproko, and Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, the situation remains unfortunate and regrettable.
Both individuals are sons of Ovu Kingdom, and many residents believe the matter should never have degenerated to the level it has reached today.
Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, as a public office holder, ought to understand that criticism, allegations and public scrutiny are part of democratic governance.
The moment any individual decides to contest for elective office, such a person must be prepared to face public criticism, whether constructive or otherwise.
No public office holder can genuinely claim to have occupied a position without being criticized at one point or another.
The ability to absorb criticism and respond maturely is one of the major qualities expected from political leaders and public servants.
Findings revealed that several respected individuals in Ovu community had earlier advised Vincent Aki to calm down and avoid unnecessary confrontations with his fellow brother from the same community.
At the same time, many persons were also said to have advised Hon. Ogedegbe to ignore some of the statements and publications credited to MC Aproko in order to avoid escalating the matter.
Unfortunately, both parties appeared unwilling to heed wise counsel, thereby allowing the situation to deteriorate further.
It must also be emphasized that publishing unverified allegations, misleading information or false claims against any individual can amount to defamation and character assassination.
Any information intended for public consumption should first be properly investigated and verified before being circulated on social media, electronic platforms or in print media.
Defamation cases are generally civil matters and, in many instances, are bailable offences which could attract fines or legal remedies where necessary.
The arrest and incarceration of social critics, activists or public commentators have never truly succeeded in silencing public opinion.
In many cases, such actions only attract more sympathy and public attention toward the affected individual, thereby strengthening their popularity and public support.
As long as an individual occupies public office, such a person remains answerable to the people concerning the management of public resources and administration of office.
Public criticism is therefore inevitable in every democratic setting, regardless of how uncomfortable it may appear.
If every public office holder decides to arrest critics over allegations and public comments, then democracy itself could become endangered.
Several allegations have been made in the past against governors, lawmakers, council chairmen and other public officials across the country without resulting in arrests or imprisonment.
One major concern that has continued to generate reactions is the alleged accelerated process that led to the remand of Vincent Aki at Okere Prison.
Many observers believe that a matter considered bailable should not have resulted in what appeared to be a rushed remand process without giving the accused adequate opportunity to properly consult his lawyer.
Such actions are being interpreted in some quarters as victimization and unnecessary intimidation against a fellow kinsman.
However, while condemning unnecessary intimidation, social media commentators and self-acclaimed activists must also understand the importance of responsible journalism and responsible public engagement.
It is always necessary to verify facts before making damaging publications against individuals, especially public office holders.
Government records and official documents are public materials which citizens have the right to request and examine where transparency and accountability are concerned.
Where such information is deliberately hidden from the public, citizens also reserve the democratic right to question and demand explanations from public office holders.
At this critical moment, many people within and outside Ovu Kingdom believe both parties should embrace peace, dialogue and reconciliation in the overall interest of the community and its future political unity.
