Socio-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 recognised right to freedom of expression
and media freedom.”
*Press
Statement
0 Comments