The Digest: Delta State Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe has defended his controversial social media comment directed at activist Rinu Oduala, insisting that his statement was misinterpreted and "sexualised" by the activist. In an interview, Edafe claimed his original post contained no sexual connotation and that he deleted the tweet in response to public reaction, not as an admission of wrongdoing. The exchange began when Oduala criticized the police response to the Ozoro festival assault videos, with Edafe replying, "Whenever I issue a statement, it turns you on. Why if I may ask?"—a remark widely condemned as inappropriate.
Key Points:
- Edafe's defense shifts blame to the activist, claiming she "sexualised" his statement rather than acknowledging the inappropriateness of his remark.
- The controversy has overshadowed the original issue—the police response to the Ozoro sexual assault incident.
- Edafe's claim that "bullies too are human beings" attempts to position himself as a victim despite his position as a law enforcement spokesperson.
- The exchange highlights the tension between police public relations and activists demanding accountability for gender-based violence.
- The incident has drawn widespread criticism for trivializing a serious conversation about police handling of sexual assault cases.
Sources: The Punch
