The Delta State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has defended his controversial social media remark directed at activist Rinu Oduala, insisting that the comment was misinterpreted and unfairly sexualised.
Edafe faced widespread criticism after replying to Oduala on X (formerly Twitter) with a remark that many described as inappropriate, following outrage over videos showing alleged assaults on women during the Ozoro festival in Delta State.
In a recent interview with News Central, Edafe explained that his statement was not intended to be sexual and that Oduala’s interpretation was subjective.
“It is well, but why I’m worried is that nobody is talking about what Rinu said to me, and it’s very sad because bullies too are human beings. Rinu’s statement to me was very clear. It was a very clear insulting statement. My statement was not insulting. My statement was only sexualised by Rinu,” he said.
He emphasised that the original tweet contained no sexual connotation.
“I never made a sexual statement to her. The word is there for all to see what it means. If she sexualises it or gives it her own meaning, well, she has the right to her own opinion,” Edafe added.
The police spokesman also accused Oduala of insulting him, noting that public criticism had been one-sided.
“However, the fact that she insulted me and nobody is talking to her at all is actually very sad,” he said.
On his decision to delete the tweet, Edafe clarified that it was in response to public reaction and not an admission of wrongdoing.
“Obviously, we hold allegiance to Nigerians. If Nigerians believe that the statement was out of line, there’s nobody that cannot come back to them and say, okay, I think I need to take it down and that was why I did it. But for Rinu, I don’t owe her any explanation. She insulted me and she should also be asked questions,” he said.
The controversy stems from a back-and-forth exchange on social media. Edafe initially reacted to viral Ozoro festival videos by writing:
“This is alarming, disgusting and embarrassing. The CP has ordered an investigation into the incident. The command condemns this in totality, no custom or tradition is superior to the rights of citizens.”
Oduala responded critically, “You are still waiting to assure instead of already arresting people. If it’s to do video warning against protest now, we will see you fast! Bright wey no bright.”
Edafe replied with the now-deleted remark, “Whenever I issue a statement, it turns you on. Why if I may ask?”