PETER OBI BLASTS TINUBU’S GOVT OVER ARREST, DETENTION OF JOURNALISTS, WANTS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PIDOM

PETER OBI BLASTS TINUBU’S GOVT OVER ARREST, DETENTION OF JOURNALISTS, WANTS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PIDOM

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has criticized the federal government for the ongoing arrest and detention of journalists who expose corruption. He warned that if this trend continues, Nigeria could descend into a Banana Republic.

Obi expressed concern over the government’s use of security and intelligence agencies to target investigative journalists, emphasizing the need for the National Assembly to enact a stronger Freedom of Information Act. He argued that the right to free speech is closely tied to the public’s ability to access information about government actions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi said, “The fundamental right to free speech is directly connected to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making. The troubling trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security highlights the urgent need for a robust Freedom of Information Bill.”

He stressed the importance of journalists in holding the government accountable, especially when those in power overstep their bounds. Obi condemned the recent harassment, abduction, and detention of investigative journalists in Nigeria, calling these actions “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”

Obi also called for the immediate release of the journalist PIDOM, who was arrested by the police last week. He underscored the importance of maintaining an open society where citizens can freely exercise their right to free speech.

“The disappearance and detention of journalist PIDOMNIGERIA is a serious issue. Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for his whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing. If such practices persist, Nigeria risks turning into a Banana Republic, where journalists are silenced or disappear for simply doing their job,” Obi stated.

“This is not the Nigeria we aspire to. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these severe attacks on press freedom. We seek an open society where citizens can freely express themselves, access unclassified information, and hold the government accountable. These are the fundamental requirements for the new society we are striving to build,” he added.