President Tinubu has come under fire for his administration’s harsh clampdown on journalists. The global body of investigative journalists based in the United States of America noted that the continuous clampdown on journalists was dangerous. The statement signed by Jeff Kelly Lowenstein, the executive director of the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism read in part;
“CCIJ expresses concern over the increasing harassment and detention of journalists in Nigeria, most recently exemplified by the arrest of Adejuwon Soyinka, West African Editor of The Conversation Africa.”
“Soyinka, an investigative journalist and the Pioneer Editor of the BBC Pidgin Service, was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, August 25, 2024, upon his return from the United Kingdom.”
The organization expressed worry that the passport of Soyinka remained seized after his arrest.
“While Soyinka has since been released following the intervention of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, his passport remains confiscated, raising concerns about the violation of his rights and the growing trend of intimidation against journalists in Nigeria. We are dismayed by the continuous crackdown on press freedom in Nigeria. Since the beginning of this year, several journalists, including Segun Olatunji, Daniel Ojukwu, and Jamil Mabai, have been unjustly detained, harassed, and subjected to undue pressure by various security agencies. These actions are not only an affront to individual freedoms but also a grave threat to the democratic principles that Nigeria purports to uphold.”
“Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, providing the transparency necessary for accountability and good governance. The ongoing persecution of journalists runs contrary to these principles and undermines the role of the press in fostering an informed and engaged citizenry.”
The CCIJ urged the Nigerian government to respect journalists’ rights noting that clamping down on journalists for carrying out their activities was becoming unacceptable.
“The CCIJ firmly condemns these actions by Nigerian authorities and calls on the government to respect the fundamental rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of retribution. The targeting of journalists simply for carrying out their duties is unacceptable in any democratic society.”
“As an organisation committed to fostering democracy through truth and transparency in journalism, CCIJ stands in solidarity with Nigerian journalists who are speaking truth to power.”
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the free press in Nigeria through our West Africa Hub, providing a platform for investigative journalism that exposes abuse of power, and injustice and promotes accountability.”
“We urge the Nigerian government to cease all forms of intimidation against journalists and to uphold the rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties to which it is a signatory.”
The organization also promised to monitor events and occurrences while advocating for protection of journalists. “CCIJ will continue to monitor these developments closely and advocate for the protection of journalists across West Africa.”
Soyinka was picked up by the Department of State Services as his arrest and subsequent detention elicited widespread condemnation.
Journalists in Nigeria have faced continuous persecution under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration. Many stakeholders have called for caution amid the growing threats against press freedom.
Recall that Nigerian security forces recently arrested popular Twitter whistle-blower PIDOM. He was well known for exposing high-profile corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria and has gone silent since August 5, 2024.
With over 200,000 followers, his prolonged absence sparked concerns among the Nigerian online community, prompting a trending campaign, #FreePidom, calling for his release.
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