The Centre for Public Integrity has criticised former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over his opposition to the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) decision to confer its “Man of the Year” award on the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Job Samuel Danfulani, the organisation described Sowore’s comments as an unwarranted attack on the NUJ and warned that such criticism could undermine the principles of free expression and professional independence.
While acknowledging Sowore’s right to disagree with the award, the group maintained that public criticism should be expressed responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
The Centre cited previous recognitions received by Ajayi from media organisations, including commendation from the International Press Institute (IPI), which reportedly praised his commitment to press freedom and constructive engagement with journalists.
According to the group, the DSS under Ajayi’s leadership has taken steps viewed positively by media stakeholders, including the removal of veteran journalist Lanre Arogundade from the agency’s watchlist in 2025 and the withdrawal of cyber defamation charges against Order Paper newspaper and its staff.
The organisation also noted that the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) honoured Ajayi with a “Friend of the Media” award in April 2026, questioning why Sowore had not publicly challenged previous recognitions but chose to oppose the NUJ award.
The “Man of the Year” award was presented to the DSS chief at the conclusion of the NUJ’s National Security Summit in Abuja, where organisers cited his efforts to foster collaboration and mutual respect between security agencies and the media.
The Centre argued that journalists have a professional duty to assess public officials based on performance and verifiable facts, adding that several media practitioners and stakeholders have publicly commended Ajayi’s leadership approach.
Among those cited was veteran journalist and former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Tonnie Iredia, who reportedly praised the DSS chief’s engagement with the media and leadership style.
The group called on journalists, civil society organisations and human rights advocates to reject what it described as attacks on the professional judgment of media institutions. It stressed that freedom of expression should not be used to diminish the dignity of individuals or organisations.
The Centre also urged Ajayi to remain focused on his responsibilities and not be distracted by criticism, commending what it described as the DSS’s increasing reliance on legal processes and judicial mechanisms in resolving disputes.
“The DSS under Mr. Ajayi has increasingly embraced legal processes and judicial adjudication in resolving disputes. Such commitment to the rule of law should not be diminished by provocative actions,” the statement said.
