Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has voiced strong concerns over the Nigerian government’s actions under President Bola Tinubu. Obi condemns what he describes as an attack on press freedom following the arrest of whistleblower and journalist Isaac Bristol, widely known as PIDOMNigeria, by the National Cybercrime Center of the Nigeria Police Force.
In a series of statements on social media, Obi stressed the essential role of journalists in maintaining government accountability. He argued that freedom of speech and access to information are fundamental rights critical to a functioning democracy. Obi criticized the current government’s efforts to suppress information not related to national security, emphasizing the urgent need to implement the Freedom of Information Bill in Nigeria.
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Obi’s comments highlight the troubling pattern of government harassment of journalists, including incidents of abduction, detention, and intimidation. He warned that if such practices continue, Nigeria could devolve into a “Banana Republic,” where journalists are routinely silenced or disappear for performing their duties.
Obi demanded that the Nigerian authorities provide a transparent account of PIDOMNigeria’s arrest and ensure his safety. He called for an open society where citizens have the freedom to express themselves, access unclassified government information, and hold their leaders accountable. Obi’s statements underscore the need for greater respect for press freedom and human rights in Nigeria.
