The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in Nigeria, following the disappearance and detention of investigative journalist PIDOMNigeria.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, Obi condemned the actions of government agents who have reportedly harassed, abducted, and detained journalists in recent times.
Obi emphasised the importance of free speech and access to information in a democratic society, linking these rights to the Freedom of Information Bill.
He warned that the ongoing suppression of information by government agents, particularly when it is unrelated to national security or interest, is alarming.
Obi stated, “The fundamental right to free speech is inextricably linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making. The alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest underscores the urgent need for the Freedom of Information Bill. Citizens rely on journalists and the media to hold those in power accountable, particularly when governments err or overreach.
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“Investigative journalists, who play a crucial role in uncovering truth, are protected by the laws that guard and protect freedom of expression in a democracy.
“It is therefore deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have of late been subjected to harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures by agents of the government. The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a grave concern.
“Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for his whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing. If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.
“This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these egregious attacks on press freedom. We seek an open society in which citizens express themselves freely, have access to unclassified information and in which government is fully accountable to the citizens. These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek,” he added.
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