The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vehemently condemned the recent assault on Dare Olawin, a journalist with The PUNCH newspaper, by personnel from the Sam Ethan Air Force Base in Lagos. The student body characterized the attack, which occurred during a raid on the Ikeja Electric head office, as an assault on Nigerian democracy and a blatant display of military impunity. NANS expressed profound concern over the incident, highlighting the destruction of property and theft of belongings during the raid, and called for a thorough presidential investigation into the matter, urging President Bola Tinubu to hold the culpable officers accountable and ensure their dismissal from service. The incident underscores the delicate balance between civil liberties and security forces, raising crucial questions about the conduct and accountability of military personnel in a democratic society.
NANS’s condemnation reflects a broader anxiety about the potential for military overreach and the erosion of democratic principles. The organization’s statement emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of journalists, who play a vital role in holding power accountable and informing the public. The attack on Olawin, according to NANS, is not an isolated incident but rather a symptomatic representation of a larger problem within the military establishment. This incident raises serious concerns about the level of training and discipline within the armed forces and the potential for unchecked aggression against civilians. The students’ body argues that such behavior undermines the very foundation of democracy and erodes public trust in the military.
The students’ statement explicitly contrasts democratic governance, even in its flawed forms, with military rule, arguing that the former is always preferable. They highlight the inherent dangers of unchecked military power and the potential for abuse when military personnel operate outside the bounds of legal authority. The incident involving Olawin serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked military power, highlighting the vulnerability of ordinary citizens to harassment and violence. By demanding a presidential investigation and the dismissal of the officers involved, NANS is advocating for the restoration of accountability and the reaffirmation of democratic principles.
Beyond the immediate concern for the assaulted journalist, NANS raises a broader question about the underlying cause of the military’s actions. The statement questions the circumstances that led to the alleged debt owed by the Air Force base, suggesting that this financial pressure might have motivated the raid. This inquiry points to a potential systemic issue within the military’s financial management and the potential for desperation to lead to unlawful actions. By probing the root causes of the incident, NANS seeks not only to address the specific assault on Olawin but also to identify and rectify any underlying issues that could lead to similar incidents in the future.
The call for President Tinubu’s direct intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action. NANS appeals to the President’s commitment to democratic principles and his responsibility to uphold the rule of law. The statement frames the incident as a direct challenge to the President’s administration and a test of his commitment to protecting the rights of citizens and ensuring accountability within the military. By urging the President to take a firm stance, NANS seeks to prevent future abuses of power and to reinforce the message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The incident involving Dare Olawin and the subsequent response from NANS serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle to consolidate democratic values in Nigeria. The attack on a journalist, representing the freedom of the press, is symbolic of a broader threat to fundamental rights and underscores the importance of civilian oversight of the military. NANS’s strong condemnation and call for accountability represent a vital defense of democratic principles and a demand for justice, sending a clear message that impunity within the military will not be tolerated. This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance in protecting democratic institutions and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
