Sowore’s Attack on NUJ Over DSS Chief’s Award Baseless, Threatens Free Speech – Group

The Centre for Public Integrity has condemned what it described as an “asinine and unwarranted attack” by former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, against the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over its recent “Man of the Year” award to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the group said Sowore’s criticism of the award raises serious moral, legal and security concerns, particularly because of what it termed a baseless attack on the NUJ.

The organisation acknowledged that Sowore had the right to disagree with the award but insisted that such criticism should be expressed “with decency and within the ambit of the law.”

The Centre noted that Ajayi had previously received recognition from major media bodies, including the International Press Institute (IPI), which in December commended him for his commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists.

According to the group, the IPI had praised the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership for demonstrating professionalism, restraint and openness to dialogue, in contrast to past allegations of hostility toward the media.

The statement also highlighted several actions credited to Ajayi, including the removal of veteran journalist and Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, from the DSS watchlist in April 2025 after more than three decades, as well as the withdrawal of cyber defamation charges against Order Paper newspaper and its staff following his intervention.

The Centre further pointed out that the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) had honoured Ajayi with a “Friend of the Media” award in April 2026, questioning why Sowore had not publicly objected to those recognitions but chose to criticise the NUJ award.

According to the group, the NUJ presented the “Man of the Year” award to the DSS chief at the conclusion of its two-day National Security Summit in Abuja, citing his efforts in promoting partnership, openness and mutual respect between the media and security institutions.

The organisation argued that journalists have the professional responsibility to commend or criticise public officials based on verifiable facts and performance, adding that several media stakeholders have publicly praised Ajayi’s leadership style.

It also referenced a recent tribute by veteran journalist and former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Dr. Tonnie Iredia, who reportedly commended the DSS chief’s approach to leadership and engagement with the media.

The Centre urged human rights organisations and journalists to condemn what it described as Sowore’s disrespect for the journalism profession, stressing that freedom of expression should not be used to undermine the dignity of others.

The group further appealed to Ajayi not to be distracted by criticism and to remain committed to upholding the rule of law in the discharge of his duties.

“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.