IPC Condemns Continuous Clampdown on Press Freedom in Nigeria

By Chinedu Echianu

The International Press Centre (IPC) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the ongoing suppression of press freedom in Nigeria.

According to the organization’s Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) Hub, recent incidents reveal a disturbing trend of attacks on press freedom.

The prolonged detention of Journalist, Tekena Amieyeofori, formerly of Africa Independent Television (AIT), who was detained by the Department of State Service (DSS) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, allegedly over a corruption report involving the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), is one of the disturbing cases of suppression of press freedom in Nigeria.

In reacting to the unfortunate incident and continuous trend of attacks, the Executive Director IPC, Lanre Arogundade in a statement said, “we are deeply worried about the continuous clampdown on press freedom under this present administration. The restrictions on journalists’ ability to carry out their obligation and regular violations of their constitutional rights is highly condemnable.

The statement went ahead to list other journalists that are victims of the harsh environment for newsmen;
“Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, an investigative journalist is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kwara State Police Command Headquarters in Ilorin for condemning a violent attack on peaceful protesters.

“Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist with Inside Story in Lokoja, Kogi State was murdered on Tuesday, July 22nd at his residence, also housing the Inside Story office.”

The IPC SPJ-Hub therefore condemned these incidents, highlighting the importance of a free press in a democratic society, adding that its monitoring of press freedom issues in Nigeria has revealed a continuous trend of attacks on journalists and media outlets.