By Hope James
Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to stop attacking Press Freedom and Journalists in the country, Edum News reports.
He made this call in a statement via his verified handle on X on Tuesday.
He noted that the alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest, shows the need for the Freedom of Information Bill.
Obi who stated this while reacting to the arrest and detention of the Nigerian anonymous whistleblower, PIDOMNIGERIA, maintained that it is disturbing, adding that his disappearance is of grave concern.
He wrote, “The fundamental right to free speech is inextricably linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making. The alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest underscores the urgent need for the Freedom of Information Bill.
“Citizens rely on journalists and the media to hold those in power accountable, particularly when governments err or overreach.
“Investigative journalists, who play a crucial role in uncovering truth, are protected by the laws that guard and protect freedom of expression in a democracy.
“It is therefore deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have of late been subjected to harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures by agents of the government.
“The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a grave concern.
“Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for his whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing. If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job”.
