By Austin Ogwuda
… Am divinely on assignment, my voice cannot be silenced even in these trying times
*Solidarity visit to me since incarceration is overwhelming
*Ministry of Lands refusal to authenticate the land documents put forward as surety was masterminded
Journalist Fejiro Oliver presently held at Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre (Prison) on Awaiting Trial Charge has written a letter, titled, ‘Note from the Prison Wall’ which coincided with his 39 birthday.
The letter which was hand-written, sighted Monday (today) by The Townhall reads in part:
“Today, I pen down this from prison in Ogwashi-Ukwu where I am divinely on assignment but Sheriff Oborevwori thinks in his heart that it is his making. He’s only but a vessel for which I am grateful to God for.
“Today is my 39th year birthday and a beginning to the Almighty which I gladly spend in prison.
“When the fearless Federal High Court Judge gave her bail ruling, the conditions were met in 24 hours. A lot of persons volunteered their properties worth thousands of million to be used as surety.
“It was a humble example and a message to me, F.O, you are not alone and you are on the right path.
“The plot to weaken my spirit” the letter continued, “failed, as I have never been downcast since I was taken to prison.
One thing is certain, I MUST leave whether the Commissioner for Lands signed or not.
“Today, Deltans can now see… This is another reason why I urge ALL Nigerians never to support State Police.
“Thank you all for keeping faith with me. Be rest assured that my voice which is yours can’t be silenced even in these nonsense power drunk trying times”, the letter added.
Meantime, the Director General, Confab for the Actualization of Human Rights, Barrister Omes Ogedegbe has equally complained about the purported delay from the State Ministry of Lands in authenticating the landed properties put forward as surety.
He wrote thus:
Who Is Afraid of Fejiro Oliver?
“The Federal High Court has granted bail to Journalist and Human Rights Activist, Fejiro Oliver, with clear directives from the Presiding Judge that the Surety documents be verified by three authorities — the Court’s Registrar, the Police Prosecutor, and the Ministry of Lands — to confirm that the property offered as surety is duly registered with the Delta State Government.
“While both the Court and the Police have fulfilled their parts—verifying the property valued at ₦15 million—the Delta State Ministry of Lands and Housing has inexplicably refused to open the verification file since it was submitted last Tuesday.
“Disturbingly, credible information suggests that a directive from the State Government ordered the Ministry not to process the verification, effectively frustrating the release of Fejiro Oliver despite a valid court order granting him bail.
“This blatant disregard for the rule of law is a sad reflection of the state of governance in Delta State. The critical questions that must be asked are:
Who is afraid of Fejiro Oliver?
“Why the desperate attempt to keep him behind bars despite a lawful order of the court?
“We therefore call on the Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Delta State, to immediately do the needful and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
“We cannot continue like this. The Ministry must either confirm or decline the verification — but it must act. Justice delayed is justice denied.
Omes Ogedegbe, Esq., Director General,
Confab for the Actualization of Human Rights
