The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking, NACAT, has condemned the government’s escalating repression of investigative journalists, describing it as a blatant assault on press freedom.
The group’s condemnation followed recent arrests, detention and harassment of no fewer than five high-profile journalists, including Isaac Bristol (PIDOM), former BBC Editor, Adejuwon Soyinka, Daniel Ojukwu, Fisayo Soyombo, and Abdulrasheed Hammad.
According to the civil society organisation, these actions violate the fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments.
The group’s Operations Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, told journalists in Abuja, yesterday that these actions also undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles.
NACAT specifically highlighted the recent cases of Isaac Bristol, who has been detained since August 5, and subjected to inhumane treatment, with the police demanding civil servants worth N500 million as sureties for his bail, and Adejuwon Soyinka, who was detained by the DSS for six hours on August 27.
Ugagbe said: “We have been watching with disdain, the alarming trend of arrests, detentions, and harassment of investigative journalists by the Nigerian government. These actions are a direct attack on the freedom of the press and a dangerous step toward authoritarianism.
“It is even bemusing that state agents can easily track and arrest investigative journalists, clampdown on those who air their grievances over the failed policies of the government that have subjected the people to untold hardship, but cannot track and arrest terrorists and kidnappers, who have turned the nation into a crime zone, making Nigerians live in perpetual fear.
“We demand immediate justice and accountability for these journalists, especially for Isaac (PIDOM), who is still being held in detention. We are troubled that if these actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a lawless society where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for doing their job.
“We urge the President to rescind on this trajectory and keep to his words to promote the rule of law, adhere to the principles of separation of powers, and tolerate dissenting views within the ambit of the laws of Nigeria. We seek an open society where citizens can express themselves freely, have access to unclassified information, and where the government is fully accountable to the people.
“These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek, and we will not rest until they are achieved.”
PUNCH
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