Imariagbe: Public affairs analyst calls for caution in political, institutional disputes

A Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator, Dr. Joshua Imariagbe, has called for greater caution in the handling of political disagreements involving government institutions, opposition figures and other stakeholders in Nigeria.

Imariagbe, in a statement, said Nigeria’s democratic experience had shown the importance of ensuring that political competition and the activities of government agencies remained guided by the rule of law and due process.

He noted that while government institutions had legitimate responsibilities to investigate alleged wrongdoing and enforce relevant laws, the timing and manner of some actions could sometimes generate political interpretations, particularly when they involve prominent opposition figures.

According to him, the situation makes it important for government agencies to maintain transparency and professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities, while political actors should also allow due process to take its course.

The analyst said debates over political realignment and the activities of government institutions had become more prominent in recent years, with some opposition figures and their supporters expressing concerns over investigations, administrative decisions and other official actions.

He stressed, however, that such concerns should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of political interference, noting that every allegation should be properly examined on its merits.

Imariagbe cited the 2024 controversy involving the suspension of the 18 elected local government chairmen and their deputies in Edo State as one of the developments that generated considerable political and legal discussion.

The chairmen, who were members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the time, challenged their suspension, while the state government and the Edo state House of Assembly offered their respective positions on the matter.

According to Imariagbe, the development demonstrated the importance of clearly established procedures in resolving disagreements between elected institutions.

He also referred to the case of Edo-born entrepreneur, Mr. Jonathan Okunbor, whose name, he said, was wrongly reported in some quarters as Ogunbor and linked with the then Edo ALGON Chairman, Hon. Newman Ugiagbe.

Imariagbe said the reports generated considerable attention and raised questions about the impact of media reports on individuals who are the subject of allegations.

He stressed that allegations should be distinguished from proven facts, adding that persons accused of wrongdoing should be given the opportunity to respond while relevant authorities should be allowed to conduct any necessary investigation.

The analyst also recalled the 2021 invitation of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over issues relating to State finances during his tenure.

He said although the invitation generated political debate because of its timing, the EFCC maintained that it was carrying out its statutory responsibility.

Imariagbe said similar debates had occurred in other parts of the country whenever politicians became subjects of investigations or administrative actions, stressing that such situations should be handled carefully to preserve public confidence in government institutions.

He further urged the media to exercise professionalism when reporting allegations involving individuals, particularly where investigations or court proceedings had not established culpability.

According to him, responsible reporting requires a clear distinction between allegations, investigations and established findings, adding that this would help protect both the public interest and the rights of individuals.

“Poolitical parties and their supporters should also rely on democratic and constitutional channels to resolve disagreements rather than allowing political differences to undermine confidence in public institutions,” Imariagbe stated.

He added that Nigeria’s democratic development would benefit from institutions that are seen to operate fairly and independently, regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.

“Government agencies should be allowed to perform their lawful duties, while citizens and political actors should have confidence that those duties are being carried out fairly,” he said.

Imariagbe maintained that strengthening due process, institutional independence and responsible media reporting would help reduce unnecessary tensions and deepen public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.