By Ezra Adamu
As much as I cannot celebrate Engr. Mike Auta’s alleged friction with the law and his recent incarceration at the Kuje Correctional Centre, as reported by Sahara Reporters, the approach adopted by his supporters to manage the situation has proved counterproductive.
Let me explain. Sahara Reporters published the report. If Mike Auta and his supporters believe it is false or inaccurate, the appropriate response would be to demand a retraction or clarification from the news outlet and, if necessary, pursue legal action. However, leaving Sahara Reporters out of the matter and directing attacks at Edward Auta only creates a darker perception of the situation rather than improving it.
There are pertinent questions that Mike Auta’s supporters have consistently avoided, but which Edward Auta has repeatedly raised: Did the Inspector-General of Police institute a criminal case against Mike Auta? Was Mike Auta remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence? Did the Sahara Reporters publication corroborate Edward Auta’s claim that Mike Auta was in the Kuje Correctional Centre from 2 June to 2 July?
If Mike Auta’s supporters genuinely intend to restore his public image, these are the questions that should be addressed with verifiable facts. Resorting to personal attacks on Edward Auta instead of responding to the issues he has raised appears to be an attempt to divert attention from the substance of the debate rather than engage it. Public confidence is best restored through facts, transparency, and evidence, not by attacking those asking questions.
