Ibadan Film Circle, CAAP condemn attack on Obaseki, call for justice
By Editor
THE Ibadan Film Circle (IFC) and Confederation of African Audiovisual Professionals (The Federation or CAAP) has expressed dismay at the inhumane treatment metted out to veteran filmmaker, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, in his hometown Benin City, Edo State, for reasons the organisations find unbelievable and unbecoming in a democratic setting where free speech should never be criminalised. The associations expressed their profound disappointed and called for immediate redress and protection of every citizen of Nigeria regardless of class of status.
In separate statements, the Coordinator of Ibadan Film Circle (IFC), Mr. Túndé Oláoyè and the Secretary-General of Confederation of African Audiovisual Professionals CAAP (The Federation or CAAP), Mr. Madu C Chikwendu, condemned in strong terms teh barbaric treatment Dr. Obaseki suffered in hands of tugs in alleged orders of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Benin City, and called for probe and sanctions against perpetrators.
According to mr. Oláoyè, “We, the Ibadan Film Circle (IFC), are appalled and deeply disturbed by the recent brutal assault and public humiliation of Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki, a renowned filmmaker, scholar, and journalist, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
“This heinous act, perpetrated by thugs claiming to act on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, is a gross violation of Dr. Obaseki’s fundamental human rights and an affront to the dignity of the entire film community.
“We condemn this barbaric act in its entirety and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice. The actions of these individuals do not represent the values of the Benin people or the principles of justice and fairness that Nigeria holds dear.
“Dr. Obaseki’s contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his advocacy for cultural preservation are well-documented. This vicious attack on him is an attack on the very fabric of our society.
“We call on the Edo State Government, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“We stand in solidarity with Dr. Obaseki and his family, and we will continue to advocate for justice and respect for human rights.”
ALSO, Mr. Chikwendu said CAAP has carefully reviewed a viral video filmed on Sunday December 28th in Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, noting that “The video purports to show frontline Nollywood filmmaker, scholar and journalist, Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki being dragged naked through the streets of Benin… occasionally crawling… goaded and taunted by a horde of miscreants. Our technical experts have confirmed the authenticity of the video. CAAP is particularly disturbed by the allegation that Obaseki was subjected to this treatment because of statements he made in the United Kingdom in support of his cousin, former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. Again, our technical experts confirmed the authenticity of the second video.
“The attack on Obaseki is not just a degradation of his person; it is a fullscale assault on free speech and democracy. Nothing in Obaseki’s speech contravened any sub-national, national or international law. Such a barbaric and primitive attack must not go unpunished. Citizens must be discouraged from taking the law into their hands. Under the circumstance the most effective deterrent is punishment.
Luckily there is irrefutable and abundant video and audio evidence identifying his attackers and possibly their sponsor (s).”
Mr. Chikwendu has therefore called for urgent steps to bring the bring the miscreants to justice, noting, “The federation hereby calls on all relevant agencies of government to take urgent and immediate steps to bring the perpetrators to justice. It will not be a favour to Obaseki; it would be the rightful action in defense of free speech and freedom of expression.”
