The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) has demanded an immediate release of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
IPI Nigeria also raised the alarm over the safety of journalists in the country.
In a statement on Saturday, jointly signed by Musikilu Mojeed, President, IPI Nigeria and Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chair, Advocacy Committee, IPI Nigeria said the demand followed the report of the abduction of the journalist.
The statement reads in part: “According to reports, Ojukwu was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police and is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti in Lagos.
“IPI Nigeria condemned the abduction and called on the Inspector General of Police to with immediate effect, order the release of Ojukwu.
“Coming at about the period the world is celebrating the freedom of the press, the action of the Nigeria Police Force speaks volumes about the attitude and commitment of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to the freedom of the press.
“Some weeks ago, the Nigerian military abducted a journalist, Mr. Segun Olatunji, in a Gestapo manner in Lagos and flew him to Abuja under humiliating conditions in apparent violation of his rights to dignity and expression.
“With the two incidents cited above, a pattern has emerged that points to the fact that the administration of President Bola Tinubu does not only condone repression of freedom of the press but also encourages it, in contradiction of promises made during the president’s inaugural speech that his administration would uphold fundamental human rights.
“We have always stated that in a democratic setting, the proper step to take is to follow due process in seeking remedies against journalists.
“It amounts to an abuse of his powers and office for the Inspector General of Police to order the abduction of a journalist just because he is the overall head of the Nigeria Police Force.”
IPI Nigeria further called on President Tinubu to sanction the Inspector General of the Police, having failed to lead by example.
It also observed that human rights violations have continued unabated because perpetrators are hardly held to account, demanding that, “It is time to begin holding those suppressing freedom of expression to account.
“Daniel Ojukwu should be released immediately, or else the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, will be included in IPI Nigeria’s book of infamy and branded an enemy of the media and journalists. His inclusion on the list carries serious consequences beyond the shores of Nigeria.”
Don’t personalize Osun logo with your slogan, group tells Adeleke
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A socio-political group, Osun Progressives Youths in the United Kingdom (O-SPYUK) has vowed to resist the plan by Governor Ademola Adeleke to personalize the state’s logo by imposing his slogan ‘Imole’ on the state.
The group maintained that the change of the Osun logo is a waste of resources and time, and an act of incompetence, saying that plan to input ‘Imole’ is uncalled for and unacceptable.
In a statement issued yesterday by its Coordinator, Tunmise Ajiboye, the group siad good governance was what the state deserved and not self-glorification.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke, rather than focusing on giving the masses good governance, is seen pursuing frivolities. A Governor who could not account for the N2bn palliative relief given to him by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the state bogus allocation received since his inauguration is here attempting to change the logo of the State.
“He has decided to personalize the state’s insignia. He wants to put his identity – ‘Ìmólè’ in the proposed logo. Is this what the State deserves in an economy that is barely surviving?
“Governor Adeleke should not turn our state into a laughing stock before the world. Putting his insignia on the Osun state logo is uncalled (for) and unacceptable.
“The change of the Osun logo is a waste of resources, and time, and an act of incompetence. Can he tell Osun people the need for a new logo? After public opprobrium, Mr Governor asked the designers to bring samples, yet instructed them on what to do. Why is Adélékè’s ‘Ìmólè’ in the logo?
“Adeleke upon inauguration, renamed the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) to Imole Youth Corps by promoting his campaign name. He is operationalized to personalize Osun State. We are going to oppose this. It is an affront to the sensibility of the state.
“This is all about self-glorification and overt haughtiness. All we desire in our State is good governance. Let him save us his constant embarrassments and stop all the shenanigans, gamesmanship, and face governance,” the group said.