NIGERIA: The International Press Institute (IPI) has strongly condemned the expulsion of Channels Television journalists from the Akwa Ibom State Government House and demanded their immediate recall.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by IPI’s Legal Adviser and Chairman of its Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and the Secretary of the Committee, Ochiaka Ugwu.
According to the statement, the Channels TV correspondent and cameraman Christopher Moffat and Kufre Ikpe — Channels TV’s reporter and cameraman, respectively were expelled after airing a video clip in which Governor Umo Eno was seen confirming his likely defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
SolaceBase reports that IPI described the action as reckless and alarming, stating that the affected journalists are seasoned professionals well-versed in covering government affairs.
“No journalist should be made to face such humiliating treatment simply for doing their job,” the statement read.
The institute emphasized that the expulsion violates the 1999 Constitution, particularly Chapter 22, which mandates the press to uphold the fundamental objectives of the Constitution and ensure government accountability to the people.
IPI expressed deep disappointment over Governor Umo Eno’s involvement in the incident, describing it as anti-democratic and contrary to his image as a media-friendly leader.
The organization reiterated the importance of independent journalism and press freedom in a democratic society, urging the governor to reverse the expulsion to avoid further damage to his administration’s credibility.
