'REPORT ON DSS GRILLING OGUN SSG NOT CONJURED', DISENGAGED PUNCH REPORTER REACTS

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'REPORT ON DSS GRILLING OGUN SSG NOT CONJURED', DISENGAGED PUNCH REPORTER REACTS

The Ogun State correspondent of the Punch Newspaper, Mr Daud Olatunji who was recently disengaged for publishing a story on the Secretary to the State government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi says he is standing by his story as a principled journalist with unwavering conscience.

Mr Olatunji who stated this in a statement said, hearing his side of the story became necessary in the face of relentless pressure from various quarters to address the deluge of unfounded accusations disseminated by officials of the state government regarding his report on the SSG.

The statement

In his words, the statement by the former-punch correspondent reads, "In the face of relentless pressure from various quarters, urging me to present 'my side of the story,' I find it imperative to address the relentless deluge of unfounded accusations disseminated by officials of the Ogun State government regarding my report on August 5, featuring the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi."

"Drawing upon my extensive 15-year career as a consummate journalist, I vehemently reject any insinuation of propagating falsehood."

"To elucidate, I received an exclusive lead regarding Talabi's interrogation at the DSS headquarters. Being a dedicated fact-checker, I diligently attempted to contact Mr. Talabi, seeking his perspective. Despite deploying text messages and repeated calls, my attempts were wilfully ignored."

"With scrupulous professionalism, I compiled, transmitted, and subsequently published the story."

"Aroused by the revelatory exposé, government representatives retaliated vehemently, launching an unwarranted assault against my character."

"My deliberate silence was not a sign of weakness; it stemmed from my discernment of the government's vitriolic response to a true story. I acknowledge the might of the government, but I am resolute in my conviction that veracity must be upheld."

"To dispel any misgivings, I reiterate that I am unyieldingly committed to upholding journalistic integrity and accuracy. The affiliation with The Punch was informal, not a binding commitment. In an inexplicable move, the association was severed, devoid of any justifiable cause."

"Addressing the orchestrators of the defamatory campaign against me, I am well aware of your motives. To you, I convey my unwavering stance as a principled journalist with an unwavering conscience. The dawn of tomorrow holds promise, as I remain unapologetic for conscientiously executing my duties. My only 'offense' lies in steadfastly fulfilling my journalistic obligations."

"A perusal of my track record bears testament to my unswerving commitment to my craft. Journalists, by design, amplify the voice of the marginalized. If this becomes an affront to the establishment, I defer the final judgment to a highest authority."

"Yet, I stand unflinchingly as a consummate journalist, unwavering in my pursuit of the truth, a legacy I shall uphold until the end of my days."

"I extend my profound gratitude to all who have extended their support. My resolute presence as truth will prevail and God will remain God."

The correspondent on the 5th of August, 2023 had earlier reported a story with the headline, "BREAKING: DSS grills Ogun SSG over ballot paper printing, COVID-19 fund" in the Punch Newspaper.

The report

According to the report, the story reads that, "The Department of State Services has invited and interrogated the Secretary to Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, over recent allegations of fraud levelled against him.

"A source from the DSS who craved anonymity hinted our correspondent that the invitation and subsequent interrogation were a result of the allegations levelled against him."

"The source told our correspondent that the grill took place at the Ogun State Command Headquarters of the DSS, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Friday, at 6:55 pm."

"Talabi was reportedly grilled for five hours on Friday but was released afterwards on self-recognition."

"Talabi’s alleged involvement with Superflux Printing Limited, located on Acme Road, Ikeja, Lagos State, has in recent times come under close scrutiny".

"Our correspondent gathered that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, had submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct Bureau, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, demanding a thorough investigation into the link between the Independent National Electoral Commission and a printing company believed to be owned by Talabi during the last elections."

"But the source said the agency grilled the SSG on a petition lodged by Talabi himself on the allegations."

"The source further told our correspondent that the DSS state command initiated the inquiry to ascertain the veracity of some allegations against Talabi on ballot papers printing among others."

"The source further said that among the issues addressed during the questioning was his alleged role of Superflux Printing Limited in the Covid-19 palliative controversy."

"The DSS was also said to have asked Talabi questions on the company’s connection to significant sums of money related to Ogun State and its role in the 2023 elections."

"It was gathered that the allegations raised concerns about the potential impact on the credibility of the upcoming elections."

"The source, however, assured the general public of the command’s commitment to a thorough and meticulous investigation."

"He said the agency seeks to unravel the complex web of allegations surrounding Talabi and his association with Superflux Printing Limited."

"The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Ogun State and its governance."

"Several attempts to get in touch with Talabi proved abortive as he had not responded to several calls put to his mobile line."

"He had also not responded to the text message sent to him on his invitation by the DSS".

It was on the basis of this report and the reaction by the secretary to the state government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi that Mr Daud Olatunji is no more working with the punch newspaper.