Nigeria risks becoming a ‘Banana Republic’ if harassment of journalists continues – Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed serious concerns about the increasing harassment of journalists in Nigeria.

Obi warned that the country risks degenerating into a “Banana Republic,” where journalists face severe consequences for their work.

Obi’s comments came in response to recent developments surrounding Nigeria’s PIDOM, a whistleblower whose disappearance has raised concerns.

Investigative journalist David Hundeyin revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that Nigeria’s PIDOM, known on social media as #PIDOMNIGERIA, is indeed in police custody and will be taken to court.

Hundeyin gave an update to the public on Friday, stating that the Nigerian Police Force confirmed the detention of the Nigerian PIDOM at the Police Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.

Police accused Nigeria’s PIDOM of compromising the integrity of the government by leaking classified documents and committing cyber crimes.

Obi used his X account, @PeterObi, on Tuesday to criticize what he described as a worrying trend of government repression against journalists. He condemned a series of recent harassment, kidnapping and detention of investigative journalists by government agents.

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Obi said, “The fundamental right to freedom of speech is closely linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making. The worrying trend of government agencies withholding information that is not related to national security or interest underscores the urgent need for a Freedom of Information Bill.”

He stressed the important role of investigative journalists in holding those in power to account, and noted that their protection is vital to preserving democratic freedoms.

“It is deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have in recent times been subjected to harassment, kidnapping, detention and other acts of cruelty by government agents. The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a serious matter,” Obi added.

Obi urged Nigerian authorities to be held accountable for the existence of PIDOM Nigeria and any alleged abuses. He warned, “If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for doing their jobs. This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve.”

The Labor candidate called for justice, accountability and an end to attacks on press freedom, and advocated for a society where citizens can freely express themselves and access unclassified information.

Previously, pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the detention of Nigeria’s PIDOM.

In a Friday post on X, Sowore expressed his concern over the journalist’s abduction, which he attributed to the actions of the “officialABAT” government. He called for the immediate release of the Nigerian PIDOM, warning that the journalist may face danger if not released immediately. Sowore also demanded the release of all protesters detained in similar situations across Nigeria.

Nigeria risks becoming a ‘Banana Republic’ with continued harassment of journalists – Obi first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.