Jide Alabi
Journalist, public affairs analyst and writer, Victor Orhorhoro, has remained at the centre of controversy over his sustained criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with claims from associates that he left Nigeria amid concerns over his safety.
According to sources close to the journalist, Orhorhoro, who has lived outside Nigeria for some time, has continued to publish articles and grant interviews in which he strongly criticises government policies, particularly those relating to the economy, governance and the welfare of Nigerians.
His commentaries, they said, have reportedly attracted the attention of security agencies, with allegations that his residence in Nigeria was visited on several occasions by operatives in search of him. The claims have not been independently verified, and no official statement has been issued by security agencies regarding the allegations.
Some of his associates also alleged that they advised him against returning to Nigeria, citing fears that he could face arrest over his outspoken views. They claimed that some of his colleagues and staff members were questioned or arrested by security operatives while efforts were being made to locate him. These claims also remain unverified.
Responding to the allegations during an interview with De.Reportorial, Orhorhoro maintained that he would not be intimidated into silence.
"Silence means cowardice. This country needs liberation and this must be done by someone or a group. If we continue to fold our arms, things will only get worse. I learnt they are on my trail. My office has been visited several times and some of my colleagues, even staff members, have been arrested on different occasions because they were looking for me," he said.
He added that he would continue to speak out against what he described as bad governance, insisting that public criticism remains an essential part of democratic accountability.
For years, Orhorhoro has earned a reputation as one of the government's most outspoken critics, frequently using newspaper articles, television interviews and public commentaries to challenge government policies on the economy, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living.
His latest comments, made during an exclusive interview with De.Reportorial, further intensified the debate. During the interview, he described the Tinubu administration as "clueless" in addressing Nigeria's economic challenges, arguing that Nigerians were more interested in tangible improvements than official explanations. He said poverty, hardship and hopelessness had become the daily reality for millions of citizens.
Another source familiar with the situation alleged that Orhorhoro decided to remain outside the country after narrowly avoiding an encounter with security operatives before his departure. However, there has been no official confirmation of the claim.
His criticisms have also drawn reactions from supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). An APC chieftain reportedly dismissed Orhorhoro as a "doomsday prophet" who consistently overlooks government achievements, while challenging him to return to Nigeria and continue expressing his views openly. The party stalwart further alleged that the journalist's criticisms were politically motivated.
The development has reignited public discussions on freedom of expression, press freedom and the role of dissent in Nigeria's democracy.
While supporters argue that Orhorhoro is exercising his constitutional right to hold public officials accountable, critics contend that his commentaries paint an excessively negative picture of the country.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), or any other security agency regarding the allegations surrounding Orhorhoro's reported departure or any investigation involving him.
