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Osun APC Attack on Journalist Sparks Criticism Over Media Conduct
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Osun APC Attack on Journalist Sparks Criticism Over Media Conduct
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) has condemned what it described as an attack on a journalist by the Osun State spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Remi Omowaiye, during a live television programme.
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the council said Omowaiye’s conduct fell short of acceptable standards of public discourse, particularly his remark to journalist Tope Ajijola: “Did you go to school at all?”
Olajengbesi described the comment as “crude, uncivilised, and a direct assault on decency, free speech, and the basic standards of public engagement.”
According to the statement, the confrontation followed what it termed “simple and legitimate questions on governance, education, primary healthcare, and the responsibilities of local government chairmen,” which it said any serious political organisation should be willing to address.
“Rather than provide substance, the spokesman responded with hostility, tantrums, and visible frustration. It was the conduct of a man overwhelmed by facts and defeated by reason,” the statement read.
The council also raised concerns over alleged comments by the Director-General of the APC Campaign Council, Wole Oke, accusing him of issuing threats to residents of the state.
It quoted him as suggesting that those not aligned with him would “have themselves to blame,” a statement Olajengbesi described as “irresponsible and deeply undemocratic.”
The Imole Campaign Council further criticised the APC Campaign Council for what it called a lack of direction, nearly three weeks after its inauguration.
“Nearly 20 days after its inauguration, the All Progressives Congress Campaign Council has failed to unveil any meaningful agenda, policy roadmap, or vision for Osun State. No ideas. No programmes. No solutions. Only insults, threats, media drama, and daily exhibitions of incompetence,” the statement said.
Olajengbesi added that the conduct of key figures within the council raises concerns about their preparedness for leadership and their ability to run an issue based campaign.
“Osun people deserve leaders who are emotionally and mentally disciplined, and who demonstrate restraint, clarity, and respect under pressure,” he said.
He called on the APC Campaign Council to “publicly demonstrate the restraint, clarity, and accountability required to engage in a serious, issue based campaign.”
The statement concluded that the people of Osun State deserve “calm, focused, respectful, and solution driven leadership,” describing the APC Campaign Council as a colossal embarrassment.
