PIDOM: Nigeria Risks Degenerating into a Banana Republic Where Journalists Are Silenced – Obi

Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concern over the recent incidents of harassment, abduction, and detention of investigative journalists in Nigeria, particularly highlighting the troubling case of the journalist known as PIDOMNIGERIA.

Obi warned that Nigeria risks degenerating into a “Banana Republic” if such actions continue unchecked, with journalists being silenced or disappearing for simply doing their job.

Obi emphasised that the fundamental right to free speech is deeply connected to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making.

He noted the disturbing trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security, which underscores the urgent need for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill.

Citizens rely on journalists and the media to hold those in power accountable, particularly when governments err or overreach. Investigative journalists, who play a crucial role in uncovering the truth, are protected by the laws that guard and protect freedom of expression in a democracy, Obi said.

He described the disappearance and detention of PIDOMNIGERIA as a “grave concern,” calling on Nigerian authorities to account for the journalist’s whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing.

Obi stressed that if such repressive measures continue, Nigeria could devolve into a state where free expression is stifled. The media cannot perform its vital role of holding the government accountable.

This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these egregious attacks on press freedom.

We seek an open society in which citizens express themselves freely, have access to unclassified information, and in which the government is fully accountable to the citizens. These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek,” Obi noted.

Recall, Pidom has been detained since August 5 by the Nigeria Police Force and, according to a report, is set to be moved to an underground detention facility run by the Office of the National Security Adviser after being denied access to his family, friends and legal team.

Also, his family, alongside Ijaw veterans and stakeholders, have called for his immediate and unconditional release following the wrongful and inhumane detention by the Nigeria Police.

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