“Silence and Injustice: The Oriyomi Hamzat Case and the Rot in Our Judicial System”
Few days ago, I came across a Facebook post by someone demanding that all Radio General Managers in the city publicly stand in solidarity with Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat. While this might seem like a noble cause, it raises deeper questions about the rot in our society, particularly the lack of critical thought, emotional intelligence, and our collective inability to read the room. For days, I refrained from commenting on the tragic incident that claimed many lives, even though the direction in which we should point accusing fingers is glaringly obvious. However, I cannot ignore the unlawful detention of one of the few journalists left who dares to stand for social justice, government accountability, and the rule of law, only to be victimized by the very system he fights to reform. The media’s silence when the news broke was deafening, further eroding trust in their credibility. Now, comments like the one I read cast an even darker shadow on the media’s ethical standards. Where are the NBC codes? Where are the principles of ethical journalism? Why do we resort to sensationalism instead of addressing such issues with the seriousness they deserve? In this case, we have not only witnessed the enemies of Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat roaring, but also the silence of so-called allies—betraying their oaths to uphold professionalism and ethical journalism. This silence speaks volumes. Perhaps the most glaring indictment of the rot in our judicial systems is the alarming speed with which this case is being handled. While countless others languish in the backlog of justice, awaiting their turn for a trial, this matter has been fast-tracked, exposing the deep flaws, biases, and corruption that plague our legal system. It is yet another reminder that justice is neither fair nor impartial in this system. Idris Animasaun Architect and Social Change Advocate
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