Journalists’ harassment: Nigeria risks becoming ‘Banana Republic’, says Peter Obi

Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing harassment of journalists in Nigeria by government authorities.

Obi warned that the country risks becoming a “Banana Republic” where journalists are “silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.”

In a related development, investigative journalist David Hundeyin revealed that the anonymous whistleblower on X.com, known as #PIDOMNIGERIA, is alive. Hundeyin disclosed in an update on Friday that, following intense public pressure and media inquiries, the Nigerian Police Force confirmed that PIDOM Nigeria is being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. The police reported that PIDOMNIGERIA was arrested for allegedly undermining the integrity of government operations by leaking classified documents and committing other cyber-related offenses.

Reacting to these events via a tweet on Tuesday, Peter Obi expressed his concerns over the increasing trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security.

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Obi described the detention and harassment of investigative journalists as “disturbing and unacceptable,” stressing the importance of free speech and access to information about government activities.

“The fundamental right to free speech is inextricably linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making,” Obi stated.

“The alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security 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.”

Obi criticised the recent harassment, abduction, and detention of Nigerian investigative journalists, asserting that these actions are a grave concern for democracy.

He called for Nigerian authorities to be held accountable for #PIDOMNIGERIA’s whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing, warning that continued actions could lead Nigeria to become a place where journalists are silenced or disappear for performing their duties.

“This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these egregious attacks on press freedom,” Obi added.

“We seek an open society in which citizens express themselves freely, have access to unclassified information, and in which the government is fully accountable to the citizens. These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek.”

Pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the actions against #PIDOMNIGERIA, calling for their immediate release.

“I, therefore, request the #officialABAT regime Gestapo unit holding #PIDOMNIGERIA to release him or her immediately. The same applies to all #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters illegally or extralegally detained across Nigeria,” Sowore said.