By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
About 30 Civil Society Organizations have condemned the abduction of a journalist with Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) Daniel Ojukwu, by the Nigerian Police Force.
This was made known in a statement jointly issued and signed by 30 activists recently in Abuja.
According to the group, the abduction was made due to FIJ’s groundbreaking investigation into alleged corruption and abuse of public trust by Nigeria’s powerful and criminal political elite. It also state that similarly, another journalist with WikkiTimes, Yawale Adamu, is currently facing threats from a member of the House of Representatives for shedding light on their alleged questionable activities.
The group alledged that the abduction of Ojukwu and threats made against Adamu were not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a larger problem within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, and their relationship with politically exposed persons undermining democratic principles.
They explained that these actions erode trust in an already fragile democratic system, adding that the actions are an egregious violation of press freedom and human rights.They alleged that the Nigeria Police Force has veered off course from its duty to uphold law and order to becoming an oppressive tool in stifling dissent and independent journalism. They claimed that the latest incident underscored the importance of defending media freedom against attempts to silence truth-tellers.
“As an Action Group on Protection of Civic Actors, we will continue to push back against oppression in all forms, and cannot stand idly by as journalists are targeted for ensuring a well informed citizenry. The recent abduction and intimidation tactics employed against journalists highlight a concerning trend where free speech is being criminalised under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act.
“With Nigeria ranking 112th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom according to Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index, it is evident that urgent action must be taken to protect journalists from persecution. In a democracy like Nigeria, to prevent democratic backsliding, free speech should not only be protected but celebrated as essential for holding those in power accountable.”
Meanwhile, those activists that signed the statement includes Gatefield, Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, Media Career Development Network( MCDN), OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative, Farnnel Women Foundation and Centre for Media and Society .
Others are Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Yerwa Express News, WikkiTimes and Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YOUPaD) among others .
