The International Press Institute (IPI) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of Channels Television journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House, following the broadcast of a clip showing Governor Umo Eno hinting at plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to reports, the Channels TV correspondent and cameraman were barred from covering government activities after the clip aired, sparking condemnation from media rights groups and civil society.
In a statement jointly signed by IPI’s Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and Ochiaka Ugwu, Secretary of the Advocacy Committee, the institute condemned the action as “reckless.”
“The state government’s reckless action is an alarming development. These journalists are experienced media personnel with a deep knowledge of government activities, and no journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job.”
“We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation,” the IPI stated.
The group further decried the action as an affront to constitutional provisions safeguarding press freedom and free expression.
“We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
“The state government’s action is also a gross violation of SECTION 22 of CHAPTER 2 of the constitution, which provides that ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”
Expressing surprise at the decision, IPI called out Governor Eno’s perceived contradiction between public image and practice.
“It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner.”
“We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy.
“We call on the governor to immediately reverse the expulsion and save his government from further embarrassment,” the IPI concluded.
