Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has condemned the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government’s resolve to clamp down on investigative journalists, News About Nigeria reports.
According to Peter Obi, the alarming trend of “government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest” calls for an urgent passage of the Freedom of Information Bill.
The former Anambra state governor implored the FG and security agencies to release popular investigative journalist Isaac Tamunoibifiri Bristol-Alagbariya, identified as @PIDOMNIGERIA on X, who has been in their custody.
Obi’s statement shared on his X account on Tuesday reads, “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.
“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 the 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.”
Obi warned that “if these actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.”
