Written by Omotayo Ayanda* Families, coworkers, and activists are plagued by the following question as the new year approaches: When will Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami be free once more? These journalists have had to spend the holiday season in the chilly seclusion of prison since their arrest in September of last year, where they were separated from their loved ones.
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Their families are drowning in suffering, confusion, and heartache as a result of their absence during what ought to have been a joyful moment. These families counted the days with a combination of hope and despair, while others rejoiced in fresh starts.
These guys serve as the foundation of their homes and are more than simply journalists; they are spouses, fathers, brothers, and sons. In addition to silencing their voices, their incarceration has caused their loved ones to endure unspeakable financial and emotional suffering. While women weep into their pillows at night, wondering whether this nightmare would ever end, mothers are left to explain to their children why their fathers are not returning home.
However, this is a national disgrace, not just a family tragedy. These journalists’ ongoing detention serves as a sobering reminder of how precarious Nigerian democracy and press freedom have become. These men were carrying out their duties, protecting the public, pursuing the truth, and holding those in positions of authority responsible.
However, they have lost their freedom as a result of their dedication to these ideals. How long will the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and other interested parties remain silent? How much longer will these families’ suffering go unnoticed? The NUJ must fulfil its responsibilities as a beacon of hope for all journalists in this nation, not only as a union.
These men are more than simply four people; they are the press’s collective voice. Any journalist who dares to speak truth to power is forewarned by their arrest. However, the NUJ is not fighting this war by itself. Where are the worldwide press freedom groups, human rights defenders, and civil society organisations? Where are the voices that ought to be announcing that this injustice is intolerable from all over the world? The imprisonment of these journalists is a test of Nigeria’s soul, not just of four people.
Do we want to allow fear and intimidation to silence people who dare to hold a mirror to authority, or are we a country that cherishes justice, truth, and democracy? Their families are waiting more than the rest of the world. awaiting the return of their fathers. waiting to be embraced by their husbands. awaiting the triumph of justice. Now is the moment to take action.
It is now, not tomorrow, not next month, and not when the news cycle changes. Let these families not have to endure more waiting and hardship in the coming year.
Let this be the year that we demonstrate that democracy, freedom of the press, and justice are more than simply ideals that we are prepared to defend.*Comrade Omotayo Ayanda was Kwara NUJ’s most recent secretary.
