How Far and How Long Can Dokpesi Run?
Aderemi Ojikutu
DAAR Communications (AIT), Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, cried out to
the public that his life is in danger of extermination by the agents of
Third Term Agenda (T.T.A). As the debate resumes this morning (Tuesday,
16th of May, 2006) at the National Assembly, fresh threats and subtle
intimidation were mounted against him in the last 72 hours to
discontinue the live, transparent coverage of the debate.
Unknown arsonists have burnt down his country home at Agenebode, just
to end the signal of deterrence to him. It seems that the whole weight
of the regime's coercive forces are resting on this courageous advocate
of Press freedom and independence. It is as if AIT is the only media of
the opposition to TTA.
I am filled with premonition this morning for Dr. Dokpesi, every time
the whole gamut of state apparatus of coercion weighs heavily on a man,
I usually and quickly go to check his revolutionary data card, to
check his capacity for endurance and consistent resistance.
It is now more clear that the architects and proponents of TTA from
inside Aso Villa would go to any length to achieve their goal. Their
defeat, last week at the Senate succeeded only in energizing them to
brutal and desperate means of getting their ultimate goal accomplished.
The opposition must be ready for casualties this week and next as we
reach the climax.
Dr. Dokpesi has been on dual friendship with the pro-democracy camp and
with the regime when the going was smooth. It would be naive on our
path to think that this OBJ administration does not have enough arsenal
to rein in the Dokpesi fibre. Our prayers goes to Dr. Dokpesi and the
anti-TTA media in the fierce battle to uphold democracy against the
dictatorship of one man. May God strengthen you to overcome your
persecution in this season. (Amen)