By Austin Ogwuda
Several reactions have continued to pour in since Saturday immediately the charges preferred against a well known social critic and activist, Fejiro Oliver were made public.
The Townhall, in its avowed editorial policy of protecting people’s privacy would be withholding the identities of the respondents where the need arises.
*Asaba based Veteran Journalist
First to comment was a veteran Journalist based in Asaba.
He wrote:
“Serves the guy right. He is a notorious blackmailer. Thank God that it has been clarified that he is not a Journalist. Well, let’s see how the whole process manifest”.
*Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Aide (names withheld)
Another prominent figure in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration says:
“The days of cyber stalking and bulling are over”.
*Prominent Human Rights Activist/Chairman, Delta Obidient Elders’ Council, Chris O. O. Biose
On his part, a vociferous well known Human Rights Activist, Chris O. O. Biose who is also the Chairman, Delta Obidient Elders’ Council reacted this way:
“The key issue is that any citizen of Nigeria (Journalist or non-Journalist) who is arrested must be charged to court within 24 hours of his arrest as provided for in Section 35(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
The practice of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in arresting persons who criticize highly placed individuals in the country and subjecting such arrested persons to prolonged detention without trial, is not only unlawful, it serves to protect such persons from public exposure and this is not in the interest of transparency in public affairs that is requisite for the development of this potentially great but stunted country”.
*The Pond News
Former Editor of The Pointer Newspapers, presently the Publisher/Editor in Chief of The Pond News, Julius Oweh, popularly called Homo Politicus condemned the position of the leadership of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in disowning Oliver and offered perspectives as to his educational and professional background as a qualified Journalist.
According to The Pond News report, “Hope is coming alive for the detained Nigerian Investigative Journalist, Oliver Fejiro (real name Oghenedoro Tega) as global journalists body are behind him.
“Those in support of Oliver Fejiro are Committee for the Protection of Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and Media Rights Agency.
“Oliver Fejiro, the Founder of Secrets Reporters online was whisked from Abuja to Asaba and is currently cooling his heels in detention.
“Oliver Fejiro, a former Broadcast Journalist and Producer at NTA , Sapele, has MA in Media Communication and Public Relations of the University of Calabar.
“The Pond News understands that if three global journalists groups can afford to fight for Oliver Fejiro freedom, it is most uncharitable for NUJ to contemplate its narvel about the non recognition of the investigative journalist and a son of Delta State”, the report stated.
Civil Society, Lawyers, and NACAT Demand Release
The Network Against Corruption and Anti-Drug Trafficking (NACAT) has strongly condemned Oliver’s arrest and detention, describing it as a “politically motivated persecution.”
In a press statement, NACAT accused the Delta State Governor and the state Police of abuse of power, and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
They warned that the move sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech and journalism.
Press Freedom Advocates Raise Alarm
Media and human rights organizations have expressed strong concern over the case, viewing it as an attack on press freedom. Many believe Oliver’s arrest is a direct response to his past reporting critical of the state government.
One activist stated that the case sends a chilling message: that journalists who expose wrongdoing risk prosecution under broad cybercrime laws.
Public Protest and Social Media Outcry
Youth groups in Delta State staged protests at the Delta State Government House, demanding Oliver’s release or formal charge.
On social media, the case is trending. Supporters of Oliver accuse the state government of using police power to silence dissent. Posts with hashtags like #FreeFejiroOliver and #PressFreedom have gained traction online.
*Additional report from Golden Nation Multimedia
