- Safiu Kehinde
Human rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, has slammed the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the emergence of the Department of State Service (DSS) Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, as the union’s Man of the Year.
Ajayi reportedly emerged as the NUJ Man of the Year for fostering media-security collaboration and transparency.
Reacting in a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, Sowore labelled the NUJ a dead organisation over the award to the DSS boss who he accused of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and intimidation of journalists amongst others.
The 2027 African Action Congress (AAC) described the NUJ award to Ajayi as stain on the conscience of the journalism profression.
“The NUJ is dead if it now celebrates those presiding over some of Nigeria’s most egregious human rights violations.
“Presenting a “Man of the Year” award to the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, despite persistent violations and widespread arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, intimidation of journalists, and suppression of dissent, is a stain on the conscience of the journalism profession.
“A journalists’ union should stand with victims of repression, Not oppressors!” Sowore wrote.
The activist’s post had since generated mixed reactions from netizens with many faulting his sentiment over the award.
“Sowore, I do not expect anything better from a Nigerian state enemy like you. DGSS is a distinguished and excellent person, and he deserves the award. NUJ knows it, Nigerians know it, and we all appreciate his tireless efforts to ensure peace and security in the country.”@syeksmart55825
“It is not surprising that Sowore, a serial criminal offender, is attempting to discredit DGSS Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi as the NUJ recognizes his contributions to national security and stakeholder engagement.”@IchieOkafor
“According to some people, anyone they dislike must never receive an award, regardless of achievements. Good thing the NUJ, doesn’t need permission from social media judges before making its decisions. so, disagreement is normal and drama is optional.”@Uthmanu01
“DGSS has made tremendous achievements especially on operational security and institutional credibility, enhanced staff moral to tackle insecurity. SOWORE live DGSS alone he deserves to be rewarded.”@HussainiLa93911
“Your obsession with the Director General SSS is alarming…. Oga you no get anything else to talk about? First hand this man has been the one of the best Appointment if not the best made by the president….kudos to the NUJNIGERIA for the award”@mustapha_jubrin
“You seems to have issues with everyone holding positions in Nigeria especially those civil servants. When you become president what will you differently to bring about the change you desire”@starlion457
“Let’s look at facts rather than rhetoric. DG Ajayi’s tenure has been defined by reviewing legacy detention cases, releasing individuals held without sufficient legal basis & strictly complying wit court orders. He is introducing real internal discipline which should be applauded.”@AishaLumbu60026
“Sowore’s record speaks for itself—an unsuccessful journalist, an unsuccessful politician, and an unsuccessful protest organizer. With that track record, one can’t help but wonder whether failure follows him into other areas of life as well. Too bad.”@HammadSanusi
“Sowore, you of all people should understand that without the sacrifices of security agencies like the DSS under DG Tosin Ajayi, voices like yours may not even have the space to speak.”@AminuDutse23100
“Oga Sowore, calm down. Not every award is a conspiracy against you. Your constant negativity is why many Nigerians have tuned out. Even your supporters are tired.”@JKamal25