By Chris Njoku
Mr Fidelis Duker, a Media Expert and Founder of the FAD Media Group has called on Nigerians not to condescend to media trial on the corruption allegations against Dr Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Duker made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN while reacting to the widespread condemnation of the Minister on social media, even before any investigation by the relevant government agencies.
It would be recalled that earlier, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation was accused of transferring N585 million to a private account which sparked up wide condemnation on social media.
The Chief Executive Officer, CEO of FAD media group said the issue of media trial which starts from the social media space was becoming worrisome as it had the capacity to make or mar anyone without proper justification.
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He said for now, what was made against the minister is an accusation but unfortunately, many Nigerians have already drawn conclusions on the matter even without any form of investigation.
“While I am not exoneration her, I think we should allow the investigation to go through before we are able to say if she is guilty or not.
“Thank God the president has set up a panel headed by the Minister of Defence, Mr Wale Edun and they have asked her to report before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which she did without excuses.
“We have had cases in the past where people were accused of burying monies in sucker-ways and cemeteries, at the end, they were tried, discharged and acquitted but their images were already destroyed on the social media,” he said.
Duker who is also the Founder of the Abuja Film Festival said he was aware that the allegations were grievous at this time when the economy of the nation was at its lowest ebb, we must allow relevant government agencies to do their job of investigating.
Speaking further, he said he also does not believe that the accusations were a witch-hunt because of the minister’s tribe, ethnic group or religion adding that bringing that up was childish and baseless.
He maintained that, concluding that indigenes of Cross River were bad office holders at the Federal level by sighting examples of Justice Walter Onnoghen, Mr Obono Obla and Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita was ridiculous as every state has had their fair share.
He added that public officeholders should be more careful and detailed by knowing the kinds of approvals they give, what they sign and concessions they make because they are the property of the people.