Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed strong concerns over the escalating harassment of journalists in Nigeria.
He warned that the country risks descending into a “Banana Republic” where journalists face severe repercussions for their work.
Obi’s comments came in response to the recent developments surrounding PIDOM Nigeria, an anonymous whistleblower who was reportedly arrested and detained by the Nigerian Police Force.
Recall investigative journalist David Hundeyin had revealed that PIDOM Nigeria was in police custody and would be brought before the courts.
The police alleged that PIDOM Nigeria was arrested for compromising government integrity by leaking classified documents and committing cyber-related offenses.
Obi has called for the release of PIDOM Nigeria, emphasising the importance of protecting whistleblowers and journalists who play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in the country.
“It is deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have of late been subjected to harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures by agents of the government. The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a grave concern,” Obi added.
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