Guild Condemns EFCC Invasion Of Enugu Radio Station
The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Wednesday, condemned the invasion of Urban Radio in Enugu by agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Office.
THE WHISTLER reported that the agents of EFCC stormed the station during a live programme and arrested the presenter, Favour Ekoh, a presenter of Urban radio.
Mr Ambrose Igboke, the Chairman of the group, in a statement, said, “The actions of EFCC at Urban Radio, Enugu, on the 14th of October, 2024, is reminiscent of the fascist, despotic and dark era in Nigeria’s history where all efforts were made to intimidate, harass, bully and silent the media.”
Igboke said the EFCC had again demonstrated that though “we are in a democratic dispensation, it continues to operate as though we are in an authoritarian government”.
He continued, “While we understand that the EFCC, as an agency of government, is authorised to carry out its statutory duties, this must, however, be done in accordance with laid down rules of engagement.
“The arrest of a journalist, while on a live programme, is an affront on free speech and an attempt to cow journalists. It is a huge infringement on journalistic practice which is guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The guild called on the national hierarchy of the EFCC to investigate the matter and bring the erring officers to discipline.
Igboke said, “The media industry has consistently partnered with the EFCC. The actions of overzealous officers of the commission might jeopardise this mutual relationship if necessary actions are not taken.”
Guild Condemns EFCC Invasion Of Enugu Radio Station is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
