‘Let’s follow the constitution’

By Musa Odoshimokhe

A former governorship candidate in Lagos State,Babatunde Gbadamosi, has said the unity of the country will be sustained when leaders obey the constitution.

Gbadamosi spoke to reporters yesterday in Lagos to debunk a statement credited to him that #RevolutionNow Convener Omoyele Sowore and former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) were released to divert attention from the assassination attempt on former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said those accusing him of fanning the ember of war by his opinion were missing the point.

The politician said his opinion could not endanger the nation’s unity.

“Some have said my opinion will lead to war, but I completely disagree. It is when security of the country is compromised by appointing only a section of the country to manage it that it constitutes a threat.

“It is when the financial management appointments go a section of the country without regard to the provision of the constitution that we have a threat.

“This is a clear abuse of power. The constitution of the country recognises federal character and this must be adhered to religiously. We must obey the constitution of the land to promote unity and harmony in the country,” Gbadamosi said.

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The ADP chieftain said the Social Media Bill was unnecessary because there were laws already restricting the operations of the media.

“I have always disagreed with any attempt to restrict the media. It would be wrong to take a new stance because I was misquoted. There are wider laws regulating information management.”

“The Social Media Bill would be counter- productive because the media is supposed to hold public officers to account. The existing laws should be entrenched to clean up the space and not fresh laws that will gag the press,” he said.

Gbadamosi said the interview was to thank God for Sowore’s release from government custody.

He added: “A few hours after the interview, the social media went viral and responses have not been quite favourable on the issue. Whatever opinion I give on them was mine and they are not historical facts.

“I expected that my opinion should lead to public discussion. We must continue to discuss Nigeria; we must not be afraid to give our opinion about happenings in the country.”