The International Press Institute (IPI) has called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno to immediately reinstate the two journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo, following their coverage of a politically sensitive issue.
The journalists, a correspondent and a cameraman from channel TV, were evicted after airing a video clip in which Governor Umo Eno confirmed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The expulsion has sparked widespread criticism, with the IPI describing the state government’s action as a “reckless” and “alarming development.”
In a statement signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and Ochiaka Ugwu, on Sunday, Secretary of the IPI condemned the expulsion as a direct violation of press freedom guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
They cited Section 22, Chapter 2, which mandates the media to uphold government accountability and operate freely.
The IPI highlighted the journalists’ experience and deep knowledge of government activities, urging Governor Eno, widely regarded as media-friendly, to reverse the decision to avoid further embarrassment to his administration.
“No journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job,” adding that, “We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.”
“We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. The state government’s action is also a gross violation of SECTION 22 of CHAPTER 2 of the constitution, which provides that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
“It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner. We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy. We call on the governor to immediately reverse the expulsion and save his government from further embarrassment.”
The institute reaffirmed its commitment to supporting impartial reporting and defending press freedom, regardless of the circumstances.
