Governor David Umahi
Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi has been lambasted for placing a life ban on journalists in the state.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has
slammed Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State for his blatant
intimidation, harassment and attacks on journalists and media houses in
the state.
SERAP on Wednesday condemned the bam on the correspondent of Sun
newspaper, Chijioke Agwu, and Vanguard Newspaper, Peter Okutu, from
entering Government House and government facilities in the State for
life.”
Umahi took the action over a report on the Lassa Fever outbreak in Ebonyi.
SERAP in a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare,
said the action is a blatant violation of the right to freedom of
expression and media freedom as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution
of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international obligations
including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
to which Nigeria is a state party.
“We will pursue appropriate legal action nationally and
internationally against Ebonyi State authorities if this illegality is
not reversed within 48 hours of the publication of this statement.”
SERAP urged the Umahi to immediately reverse the purported ban, and
allowing journalists and media houses to freely cover the activities of
his government.
“Nigerians expect their leaders to show a greater level of
transparency and accountability and to explain and take responsibility
for what they are doing rather than threatening, intimidating, harassing
and banning journalists and media houses from covering their public
functions.
“These journalists and media houses are simply doing their work and playing their constitutional roles.”
“The ban clearly runs counter to the notion of a free
marketplace of ideas, necessary to serve the best interests of the
public. Barring journalists undermines Nigeria’s pledges on democratic
reforms and the rule of law and must stop now,” SERAP added.
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