IPI’s Claim Of Media Repression Against Gov. Eno Not Factual – Akwa Ibom NUJ Chairman
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has dismissed allegations of media repression in the state, describing a report by Mr Mojeed Misikilu of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria as “false, unfounded, and inconsistent with reality.”
Comrade John was speaking in Uyo on Wednesday at a symposium to mark this year’s Press Week of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council.
In a reaction to the claim, Comrade John said he had carefully reviewed the concerns raised by IPI but found no evidence to justify the allegation, adding that the assertion of media repression does not reflect the current media climate in Akwa Ibom State.
“That claim is unfounded and baseless,” he stated and added that “Media repression means taking actions such as harassing or arresting journalists for carrying out their constitutional duties. I am not aware of any such incident in Akwa Ibom NUJ under my administration.”
The NUJ chairman questioned the criteria used by IPI to arrive at its conclusion, describing the organisation’s “yardstick” as misleading and not rooted in verifiable facts.
He stressed that the union in Akwa Ibom maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of intimidation or censorship of journalists.
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“As chairman of the NUJ, I cannot fold my arms and watch any form of harassment or censorship of the media without raising an alarm. I am the best person to make such comments or raise concerns if there was any attack, harassment or intimidation of journalists in the state,” he said.
Comrade John urged the International Press Institute to reconsider its position and engage directly with stakeholders in the state before issuing public statements.
He cautioned the organisation against publications that could be considered sensational or detached from realities on the ground.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ leadership in Akwa Ibom to defend press freedom and uphold the professional rights and privileges of journalists across the state.
“The NUJ in Akwa Ibom under my administration remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights, privileges and interests of journalists in the state. We will continue to uphold the values of truth, objectivity and fairness in our practice and in the defence of our members,” he affirmed.
Comrade John reiterated that the media environment in Akwa Ibom remains open and conducive for journalism and cautioned against narratives that could distort the image of the state or undermine the work of journalists.
