The Nigerian Bar Association—Garki Branch, in a press release on Saturday, 3rd of June, has condemned the threat to life and safety, alongside harassment of TheNigeriaLawyer’s Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Chioma Unini, over her allege publications condemning the ethnic inciteful statement during the 2023 elections.
In the press statement which was signed by the Chairman of the Mr. Obioma Ezenwobodo Esq. it stated that:
“The attention of the Branch has been drawn to series of text messages threatening the life and safety of Chioma Unini. K, a consummate Lawyer.
The statement further stated that “the Branch condemns in strong terms the threat messages directed against the person of Chioma” Accordingly, it was held that the threat was a breach of her fundamental human right:
“as they are not only injurious to the fundamental right of every citizen to freedom of expression and the press as provided in section 39(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Altered) but contrary to section 22 of the same Constitution”
Section 22 which was quoted 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.” The branch further declared that:
“The Branch states that on no account should Chioma be harassed or threatened in the cause of carrying out her duty which is geared towards deepening democratic ideals. It is therefore reprehensible and heinous to attempt to gag Chioma from exercising her right to journalism and free press”
The Branch concluded by calling on the security agencies to investigate the matter and bring culprits behind the ugly trend to book.
