[Obi, Oyedepo’s Alleged Leaked Phone Conversation] The Right To Private/Family Life And Personal Data/Classified Information Under The Constitution

*Conversation Has No Ill Intention For National Security
*It Requires Court Order To Obtain Such

By Tohwo Oseruvwoja

Comrades, going by the Political atmospheric condition of uncertainty in our Nation Nigeria, and the current insecurity stability that was gradually laid to rest during the late era of the campaign but has resurrected and beclouded our Media headlines immediately after the just concluded Election.

The pre and post-Election era was greeted by an ugly, dangerous but celebrated trend of interception and publication of private data and conservation without recourse to the legal regime governing such.

The most recent which have greeted the media space recently is the telephone conversations between Mr. Peter Obi and Bishop David Oyedepo.

Comrades, I have conscientious listened to the leaked phone conversation between the duo, holistically without bias but with a sense of reasoning, I found nothing wrong with the conservation, and the same is devoid of any controversy, or ill intention for National security but just a mere personal conversation and interaction between two individual seeking assistance or support of the other that should not warrant the publicity or attention by the media.

Also, it is appropriate to point out that such data/information are classified as a Fundamental Right to Private and Family Life protected by Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended) CFRN if breached it is actionable in Court.

Furthermore, it amounts to unlawful interceptions and Cyberstalking which are offenses under Sections 12 (1) and 24 (2) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act.

Comrades let us inform ourselves that intercepting or obtaining data of any nature for any reason either by Law Enforcement Agencies or individuals requires an Order of Court under Section 39 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, ETC.) Act.

However, while we welcomed the advent of new-age media Social Media, we should be conscious of the misconception and misinterpretation of Section 39 of CFRN which guaranteed the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Press, we should be mindful that it is not an absolute right.

We enjoin the fourth estate of the realm and Nigerians who possess the ability to disseminate information to be reasonable, and rational with a sense of professionalism and censorship, taking cognizance of the gullible nature of processing information in this new age of social media where friction is given a touch and sense of reality. Also, often time, private issues, bullying, and stalking make the headlines. However, I employed Nigerians to be mindful never with a phone conversation with their loved ones as it can be safe to say that our Cybersecurity is currently under attack, and this is not a good commendation for Nigeria in the comity of Nations.

Tohwo Oseruvwoja ,@tohwo_opinion