…urges journalists to expose corruption, abuse of office
Shina Peller, the Ayedero of Yorubaland and a former member of the House of Representatives, has stressed the need for strong opposition so as to strengthen the nation’s democracy.
“For democracy to survive, there is need for credible voice of the opposition, without tangible opposition, democracy is doomed in the Nigeria”, he said.
Peller, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola /Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, noted that credible journalism remains a cornerstone for national development, adding that journalists must be encouraged to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
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Speaking in Iseyin at the 2026 Ramadan public lecture entitled: “The Importance of Community Development in Islam.” Peller noted that the only prospect for democracy is the existence of a voice for the opposition.
The former lawmaker, who decried the alleged attempt to strangle the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with defection of some governors and other top politicians in the country, said “there must be a voice for the opposition. So, it’s not about PDP, and our leaders must know this. They cannot live for yesterday, live today, and live tomorrow. Many people are fighting for the PDP not to survive.
“These people become governors, they became ministers, but they have younger ones who are looking up to what they want to do. So, everyone is writing their own story.
“And even the judiciary, this goes back to them as well, if they call you a judge, part of the 10 commandment says ‘You shall not judge,’ you’re now a judge and you think that you will misjudge people, and even in the Quran it said specifically, that if you’re a judge, you have to be just.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the 8th Shina Peller NUJ Ramadan Lecture and Iftar held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, he also urged journalists to continue exposing corruption and abuse of office, promoting human rights and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities without fear or favour.
He declared that his longstanding relationship with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, is apolitical and not driven by personal political ambition.
Peller said his association with the Union predated his political career, stressing that it was built on mutual respect and shared values, particularly the commitment to truthful reportage and responsible journalism.
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Peller, who attended the event alongside close associates, Tajudeen Ajala and Gbenga Awosoro, popularly known as Demdebula, commended the union for sustaining the Ramadan Lecture and Iftar initiative over the years.
