Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, has reacted to the abduction of whistleblower PIDOM Nigeria....For More READ THE FULL STORY▶▶
Obi, in a post on X, decried the arrest of PIDOM Nigeria and other investigative journalists, expressing deep concern that Nigeria might be turning into a “banana republic.”
His reaction follows reports by investigative journalist David Hundeyin that the anonymous whistleblower on X.com, 99% Oppressed, who tweets as #PIDOMNIGERIA, is alive in police custody and will be arraigned in court.
Hundeyin disclosed in an update on Friday, after intense public pressure and publications on the whistleblower’s whereabouts, that the Nigerian Police Force confirmed that PIDOM Nigeria is being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, The Punch reports.
Recall that the police spokesperson indicated that PIDOM Nigeria was arrested for allegedly undermining the integrity of government operations through the leaking of classified documents and other cyber-related offenses.
Reacting to the development via a tweet on his official X handle, @PeterObi, on Tuesday, he decried the alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security.
Obi said, “Disturbing and unacceptable” was the harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures against Nigerian investigative journalists by agents of the government lately.
“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 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,” he said.
Obi said Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for PIDOMNIGERIA’s whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing.
He feared, “If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a banana republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.”
“This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these egregious attacks on press freedom.
“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,” he said…..For More READ THE FULL STORY▶▶
