According to him, he acknowledged that he “failed to properly read the room” by using the expression in an environment where it was not appreciated.
By TheInvestigator
Denis Odama has expressed gratitude to Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, and other stakeholders who helped resolve the controversy surrounding his arrest and detention.
Odama, in a statement reflecting on the episode, thanked Governor Otu for what he described as his “fatherly forgiving disposition” and for steps taken to bring the matter to a peaceful resolution.
The episode followed a comment by Odama which he said was intended as a satirical expression commonly used on Football Twitter.
According to him, he acknowledged that he “failed to properly read the room” by using the expression in an environment where it was not appreciated.
“I take responsibility for that poor judgment. I deleted the comment the same day it was made and also offered my retraction and apology,” he said.
Odama also commended the political leadership of Bekwarra Local Government Area, particularly the council chairman and his wife, for their intervention and role in negotiations that contributed to his release.
He expressed appreciation to friends, fans, supporters and well-wishers who mounted pressure on social media and called for his release.
“Your solidarity during that period will not be forgotten. You spoke loudly for me when I couldn’t speak for myself,” he said.
However, Odama appealed to his supporters to refrain from insulting or disrespecting individuals involved in his arrest and detention, saying such actions could further divide the state.
“Dear supporters and friends, kindly desist from disrespecting or insulting those behind my arrest and detention. This will only draw our dear state backward,” he appealed.
The analyst said he had chosen the path of peace and reconciliation, while maintaining that citizens must continue to demand accountability from governments at all levels.
He stressed that such advocacy must be conducted responsibly and respectfully.
“We will continue to hold our governments at all levels accountable and speak up on issues that affect our people. However, we must do so within righteous, responsible and respectful boundaries,” he said.
“Our language must remain clean, civil and worthy of the society we seek to build.”
Odama described the resolution of the matter as an opportunity for Cross Riverians to embrace understanding, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence over confrontation and division.
“At this point, I choose peace, reconciliation and moving forward,” he said, adding: “May this be an opportunity for all of us to choose understanding over confrontation, reconciliation over division, and peace over conflict.”
He concluded by thanking everyone who contributed to bringing the episode to an end and prayed for the progress of Cross River State.
