Abdul Oroh, a Nigerian author and former pro-democracy activist, has shared a personal anecdote about the late journalist Dele Giwa, shedding light on perceptions of his relationship with the military prior to his death.
Oroh recounted the story during an interview from 4:12 on the State Affairs with Edmund Obilo Show, where he revisited events and narratives surrounding Giwa’s assassination. The Newswatch magazine co-founder was killed in October 1986 by a parcel bomb at his Lagos residence, a case that continues to generate debate decades later.
While addressing claims that Giwa maintained close ties with military authorities, Oroh narrated an incident involving a document allegedly linked to the presidency. According to him, the moment was interpreted in a lighthearted manner within the family. “When they brought that document, his son saw ‘Billy Giwa’ written on it, from the office of the president. And then he was joking with his mother-in-law, Funmi saying, ‘look, your husband is having a relationship with the military,’” Oroh said.
The anecdote, as presented by Oroh, suggests that interactions between Giwa and individuals in government circles may not have been viewed as unusual or suspicious at the time. Instead, it reflects a more casual and even humorous perception among those close to him, rather than evidence of any formal alliance.
Over the years, discussions about Giwa’s relationship with the military have remained part of broader efforts to understand the circumstances leading to his assassination. His death, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most shocking attacks on press freedom, has remained unresolved despite repeated calls for accountability. Read_More…