Skip to main content

SERAP demands immediate release of arrested journalist by Akwa Ibom govt

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom-Emmanuel

emmanuel udomSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of a newspaper publisher, Nsibiet John arrested on the orders of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Moses Ekpo.

SERAP said in a statement today signed by its Senior Staff Attorney Timothy Adewale that “Nsibiet John who publishes a local newspaper, The Ink, was ordered to be arrested for allegedly publishing defamatory materials against the deputy governor. Mr John was arrested on Thursday morning by police detectives from the State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.”

The statement reads in part: “SERAP unequivocally condemns this abuse of power and harassment and intimidation of a journalist simply doing his job. Journalists who allege officials’ abuse of power or report on things deemed unfavourable shouldn’t face unlawful arrest and retaliation.”

“It’s unacceptable for the government of Akwa Ibom State to harass and intimidate the media, leaving journalists to live in fear. Media freedom shouldn’t be fair game for the government of Akwa Ibom State or other states of the federation for that matter.”

“SERAP believes that no one should be arrested simply for criticising public institution or public figures.”

“This action by the deputy governor and the state police authorities is contrary to both section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“If Mr John is not released immediately and unconditionally, SERAP will pursue appropriate legal action against the government of Akwa Ibom State for violations of constitutionally and internationally recognized right to freedom of expression and media freedom.”

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Court grants Fani-Kayode N50m bail

Fani-kayode sandwiched by EFCC officials Justice James Tsoho of the Federal High Court Abuja on Thursday granted a N50m bail to former spokesman of the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode. Fani-Kayode was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a five-count charge of money laundering to the tune of N26m. Fani-Kayode is the sole defendant in the fresh charges numbered, FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2016. The EFCC accused the defendant of diverting 26 million Naira allegedly received from the ONSA while Sambo Dasuki was in office. The anti-graft agency also accused him of handling the said N26 million without going through financial institution as required under the Money Laundering Act. The embattled former minister is already facing 17-count charge of money laundering before the Lagos Division of the court, along with a former Finance Minister; Nenadi Usman, Danjuma Yusuf and a firm; Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited. They were charg
Post a Comment
Read more

FG berates US congressman over comment

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture Photo: Femi Ipaye/PM News The Federal Government has described as sadly out of tune with reality the published letter from US Congressman Tom Marino to Secretary of State John Kerry, asking the US to withhold security assistance to Nigeria on the strength of some imaginary infraction by the Buhari Administration. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Congressman Marino was poorly informed about the issues he commented on, wondering why he did not take the pains to get first hand information from the US Embassy in Nigeria or any other credible source before engaging in what is nothing but a ‘propaganda of his own imagination’. The Minister said by asking the US to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to Nigeria based on a faulty premise, the Congressman has demonstrated a poor understanding of global security issues. ”Insecurity anywhere i
Post a Comment
Read more

Aubameyang leads Gabon to Nations Cup

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leads the cast for Gabon as the hosts became the first team to name their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squad. The team captain and Borussia Dortmund star will lead the home players out for the opening game of the tournament against debutants Guinea-Bissau on 14 January in Libreville. Gabon have also named Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong despite the player being left out of November’s World Cup qualifier in Mali. Ndong was in the capital city Libreville but failed to turn up for international duty ahead of the Mali game last month, forcing the Gabonese Football Federation [Fegafoot] to send him back to England. But a remorseful Ndong, who held clear-the-air talks with Fegafoot has been included in a 23-man Panthers squad. Other names to make the final party include Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, Bruno Ecuélé Manga of Cardiff City and China-based striker Malick Evouna. Gabon coach José Antonio Camacho included three do
Post a Comment
Read more