A recent online publication has attempted to tarnish the image of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences through emotional propaganda and half-truths. The article in question, titled “Enugu Nursing College Faces Backlash for Using DSS, Police to Intimidate Student Nurse for Exposing Oppression,” is a clear attempt to sensationalize a matter already before lawful authorities.

The Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force are constitutional institutions established by law to investigate complaints and establish facts. Their involvement in any matter does not amount to intimidation, but rather reflects the lawful pathway for resolving allegations, especially those involving cyber-bullying, defamation, and the dissemination of misleading information.

It is surprising that certain individuals and online commentators who make public allegations on social media suddenly describe lawful invitations by security agencies as “oppression.” One cannot publish accusations and mobilize public outrage, only to reject legal scrutiny when called upon to substantiate those claims before competent authorities.

Mr. Francis Nwapa and those behind these coordinated media attacks must understand that social media is not a courtroom. True activism requires truth and fairness, and it does not place anyone above the law. If allegations have been made publicly against Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences and its leadership, the proper response is to appear before the relevant authorities and provide evidence, rather than resorting to media blackmail and emotional manipulation.

The attempt to portray every lawful investigation as victimization is both irresponsible and dangerous. Security agencies are empowered to determine truth from falsehood through due process. If Mr. Francis Nwapa claims to be the coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), he should be well-acquainted with the duties of the DSS and the Police and accord them the proper respect.

Furthermore, the insinuation made by Mr. Nwapa regarding transferring the case to Lagos for his personal convenience is entirely baseless. The law does not recognize personal convenience. The location of the alleged crime is Enugu, which is where the petition was filed and where the incidents took place.

Instead of yielding to the rule of law, Mr. Nwapa is calling for public sympathy and demanding that the investigation procedure be shifted to Lagos to accommodate his reporting errors. This is a myopic view of standard legal procedure. If invitations are extended by the DSS or Police, it is only proper for those involved to honor them and clarify the numerous statements they have already circulated online.

Professional institutions have strict rules, ethical codes, and disciplinary procedures designed to protect professionalism, patient confidentiality, institutional integrity, and public trust. The unauthorized recording of patients, hospital environments, administrators, or internal communications—and the subsequent broadcasting of such material online without clearance—raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

It is also intellectually dishonest to weaponize Nigeria's current security challenges as an excuse to discredit lawful investigations. The DSS and Police are fully capable of handling multiple responsibilities simultaneously, including investigating complaints related to cyber harassment, defamation, and conduct capable of inciting unrest.

Interestingly, Mr. Nwapa himself called for a proper investigation into this matter on his blog “Francis Nwapa Watch” on April 15th. Now that security agents have yielded to that call and launched investigations to establish the truth, one wonders why he appears hesitant to face the very process he requested.

Dr. Gloria C. Bertram-Okoli and the management of Ezzy International College of Nursing Sciences have consistently demonstrated a commitment to healthcare education, discipline, and institutional excellence. The college cannot and will not surrender its integrity to orchestrated campaigns of calumny or mob pressure driven by social media theatrics.

The public is therefore urged to disregard these attempts to distort facts. Lawful authorities must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties without intimidation from activist groups seeking publicity. Justice is not established via Facebook posts, WhatsApp broadcasts, or media headlines, but through lawful investigation and verifiable evidence.

Continuing to bully parties online and misinform the public about a matter currently under active investigation is a disservice to the legal process. The police have advised that all parties be invited to respond to questions, and the matter is being followed legally. Mr. Francis Nwapa would do well to submit to standard legal procedures.

Those who have made allegations should courageously present their evidence before the appropriate authorities instead of portraying legitimate legal procedures as persecution. Truth does not fear investigation.

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