Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed grave concerns about the increasing harassment of journalists in Nigeria.
Obi warned that the country was at risk of deteriorating 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, a whistleblower whose disappearance had raised alarms.
Investigative journalist David Hundeyin revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that PIDOM Nigeria, known on social media as #PIDOMNIGERIA, was indeed in police custody and would be brought before the courts.
Hundeyin updated the public on Friday, stating that the Nigerian Police Force confirmed PIDOM Nigeria’s detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.
The police alleged that PIDOM Nigeria was arrested for compromising government integrity by leaking classified documents and committing cyber-related offenses.
Obi took to his X handle, @PeterObi, on Tuesday to criticize what he described as an alarming trend of government repression against journalists. He condemned the recent spate of harassment, abduction, and detention of investigative journalists by government agents.
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Obi stated, “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.”
He emphasized the crucial role of investigative journalists in holding power accountable, noting that their protection is vital for maintaining democratic freedoms.
“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.
Obi urged that Nigerian authorities be held accountable for PIDOM Nigeria’s whereabouts and any alleged infractions. He warned, “If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job. This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve.”
The Labour Party candidate called for justice, accountability, and an end to the attacks on press freedom, advocating for a society where citizens can freely express themselves and access unclassified information.
Earlier, pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore had also condemned PIDOM Nigeria’s detention.
In a Friday post also on X, Sowore expressed his alarm over the journalist’s abduction, which he attributed to the actions of the “officialABAT” administration. He called for the immediate release of PIDOM Nigeria, warning that the journalist might face harm if not promptly freed. Sowore also demanded the release of all protesters detained in similar circumstances across Nigeria.
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