Announcements
EDC-NATIONAL PRESS RELEASE: EKET DEVELOPMENT CONGRESS USA CONDEMNS THE HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION OF PROFESSOR DES WILSON (Posted: July 21, 2011)
Eket Development Congress has received official complaint that Professor Des Wilson and his family are forced to live in hiding in Nigeria because of threat to his life and those of his family by some violent elements in our society who are uncomfortable with Professor Wilson for faithfully discharging his civic duties.
Nigerians should be grateful for the integrity of a man like Professor Wilson for taking the risk that others shun to report what he believes are irregularities in the last concluded election as he was mandated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and has "indicated his willingness to testify orally at the tribunal if called to do so." Instead Professor Wilson's life, his family and his employment have been threatened. We in Eket Development Congress deem that Professor Wilson's activity is protected under the free speech right, right to honest services by public official and public accountability law.
We believe that in too often failed ethical context of public life, Professor Wilson has become an embodiment of virtue and courage; he has set high standards for the future of our young democracy by not mortgaging his conscience, ethics and convictions to cover up his perceived improprieties. Nigeria is worst off today for want of roles of intellectuals such as Professor Wilson in our political process.
Professor Wilson's incident however, serves as a stark reminder that our road as a free nation where public officials and private individuals can exercise their God given freedom of expression and discharge of civic duties without fear of victimization is hazardous, nebulous and painful. We have reached a point where our conduct threatens to undermine our character as a people. The numbing entreats of violence and intimidation has stolen our innocence, and smothered our consciences as a nation.
We, members of Eket Development Congress have the obligation to speak up for the protection and defense of the liberty of our citizens. We should never surrender to those who debase our values, threaten our citizens, disturb our peaceful coexistence and seek to destroy our institutions.
Finally, we urge all Akwaibomites and all Nigerians whose care and safety have been our concern that it could have been any one of us. Therefore, we should set aside our differences and close ranks to seek the safety of Prof. Wilson and his family.
Margaret Itauma, National President
Essien Nwaessien, National Secretary
www.eketusa.org
