Delta Integrity Group slam Edevbie over arrest of Comedian Mc 2Kingdom ~ Truth Reporters

 

We, the Integrity Group of Delta State (The More Agenda And You Matter Charity Foundation Ambassadors), unequivocally condemn the illegal and unwarranted arrest of Comedian Ajirioghene Otagba, popularly known as MC 2Kingdom, by Chief Matthew Edevbie, the contractor handling the 132 KVA Substation Electricity Project at Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area. 

The arrest of Mr. Otagba, whose only "crime" was exercising his constitutional right to free speech and public accountability, is nothing short of intimidation, abuse of power, and a flagrant violation of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold opinions and impart information without interference. 

Furthermore, his illegal detention and planned transfer to Abuja instead of being tried within Delta State where the alleged "offense" occurred is a direct violation of Section 41 (1) of the Constitution, which grants every citizen the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country without unlawful restriction. Such actions are reminiscent of oppressive tactics meant to silence voices advocating for transparency and good governance. 

We demand that Ajirioghene Otagba be released forthwith. His arrest is an insult to democracy, free speech, and accountability. Failure to do so within the constitutionally allowed time frame will attract legal and civic consequences. 

We call on Chief Matthew Edevbie to immediately return to site and complete the 132 KVA Substation Electricity Project, which has been abandoned for 14 years despite its immense importance to the Isoko people. This project was funded with taxpayers' money and is not a personal property it belongs to the general public. 

We use this medium to call on all contractors handling public projects to discharge their duties diligently, transparently, and with utmost integrity. The era of collecting public funds and abandoning projects is over. 

Following the recent Whistleblowing Bill championed by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, no well meaning Deltan should stand as a spectator in the face of corruption, mismanagement, and abandonment of critical projects. Every citizen has the right to speak up when things go wrong, and we will not allow anyone to be persecuted for demanding good governance. 

We urge the Delta State Government, security agencies, and the general public to take note: silencing critics will not work; only integrity, responsibility, and transparency will sustain peace in our state. 

We will continue to stand for justice, good governance, and the protection of human rights. Let it be known that the people of Delta will not be intimidated into silence. 

Signed:

Dr. Oke Idawene

Convener, Integrity Group of Delta State 

Barr. Offiah Felix

Secretary, Integrity Group of Delta State