Speaking on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily, Falana questioned the appropriateness of including Otse in discussions about national security, arguing that such discussions should involve individuals with substantial professional experience in the security sector.
Otse participated in a session titled “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen,” where he shared insights from his experiences reporting on insecurity and visiting affected communities. His presence on the panel has sparked a debate among legal professionals, with opinions divided over the NBA's choice.
Falana emphasized that the NBA historically invited experts with proven credentials to engage lawyers in meaningful discussions. "In those days, the NBA brought individuals who had paid their dues," he noted, criticizing the current trend of selecting panelists without relevant expertise.
He argued that individuals discussing national security must have made tangible contributions to the sector, stating, "If you are bringing in an expert, they should have contributed to the security architecture of the country."
The human rights lawyer likened this situation to inviting unqualified individuals to discuss critical topics like press freedom. "You should bring in practitioners from the field, either in academics or the newsroom," he said.
During the panel, Otse made serious allegations regarding police conduct, claiming that officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travelers and relay their information to kidnappers, facilitating abductions for ransom. This assertion has drawn sharp criticism, with the Nigeria Police Force labeling it unsubstantiated and damaging.
The police have challenged Otse to provide evidence to back his claims, stating that any credible information would be thoroughly investigated. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the qualifications of speakers at professional forums and the importance of expert contributions to critical national discussions.
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