By Danjuma Amodu
The Centre for Public Integrity has condemned what it called an “asinine and unwarranted attack” by former AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on the Nigeria Union of Journalists over its “Man of the Year” award to DSS Director-General, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.
In a statement Sunday in Abuja signed by National Coordinator Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the group said Sowore’s criticism raised moral, legal and security concerns, describing it as a baseless assault on NUJ’s credibility.
It acknowledged Sowore’s right to disagree but said such criticism must be expressed “with decency and within the ambit of the law.”
The Centre noted that Ajayi has received prior media recognition, including commendation from the International Press Institute in December 2025 for professionalism and respect for journalists. IPI, it said, praised the DSS under Ajayi for openness to dialogue, unlike past hostility toward the media.
The group also cited Ajayi’s removal of veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade from the DSS watchlist in April 2025 after 30+ years, and the withdrawal of cyber defamation charges against Order Paper newspaper and staff following his intervention.
It further noted that the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria honoured Ajayi with a “Friend of the Media” award in April 2026, and questioned why Sowore did not object to those recognitions but targeted the NUJ award.
According to the statement, NUJ presented the “Man of the Year” award at the close of its two-day National Security Summit in Abuja, citing Ajayi’s efforts to promote partnership and mutual respect between the media and security institutions.
The Centre said journalists have a duty to commend or criticise officials based on verifiable performance, adding that media stakeholders have praised Ajayi’s leadership. It referenced a tribute by veteran broadcaster and former NTA DG, Dr. Tonnie Iredia, who commended the DSS chief’s engagement style.
It urged human rights groups and journalists to condemn what it termed Sowore’s disrespect for the profession, stressing that free speech must not erode others’ dignity.
The group also appealed to Ajayi to remain focused on the rule of law despite criticism.
“The DSS under Mr. Ajayi has increasingly embraced legal processes and judicial adjudication in resolving disputes. Such commitment to the rule of law should not be diminished by provocative actions,” the statement said.
