Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the federal government led by President Bola Tinubu for its ongoing arrest and detention of journalists who expose corruption.
He warned that Nigeria could descend into a Banana Republic if the suppression of the press continues.
Obi pointed to the alarming trend of the government using security agencies to silence investigative journalists. He emphasized that the time has come for the National Assembly to enact a robust Freedom of Information Act, which would guarantee Nigerians the right to access information.
“The right to free speech is inextricably tied to the public’s ability to access information about government actions,” Obi said in a statement on Tuesday. “The disturbing trend of suppressing information that poses no threat to national security must end, and the Freedom of Information Bill must be passed immediately.”
Obi further stressed the essential role of investigative journalists in holding those in power accountable. He described the harassment, abduction, and detention of journalists by government agents as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
In particular, Obi called for the immediate release of the journalist PIDOMNIGERIA, who was recently detained by police. He urged the government to uphold citizens’ rights to free speech and ensure a transparent society where information flows freely.
“The disappearance and detention of PIDOMNIGERIA is a grave issue,” Obi stated. “If these actions persist, Nigeria risks becoming a Banana Republic where journalists are persecuted for simply doing their jobs. This is not the Nigeria we aspire to build. We demand accountability, justice, and an end to these attacks on press freedom.”
Obi concluded by reaffirming the need for a society where citizens have full access to unclassified information, can speak freely, and where the government is held accountable to the people. These, he said, are the essential pillars of the new Nigeria the citizens deserve.
