Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned
“the blatant intimidation, harassment and attacks on journalists and
media houses by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, and the illegal
banning of the Correspondent of The Sun newspaper, Chijioke Agwu, and
the Vanguard Newspaper, Peter Okutu, from entering Government house and
Government facilities in the State for life.”
The journalists and media houses have been reportedly banned over a
report on the Lassa Fever outbreak in the state.
Reacting, SERAP in a statement by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare
said: “This action is a blatant violation of the right to freedom of
expression and media freedom as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution
of 1999 (as amended) and the country’s international obligations
including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
to which Nigeria is a state party. We will pursue appropriate legal
action nationally and internationally against Ebonyi State authorities
if this illegality is not reversed within 48 hours of the publication of
this statement.”
The statement read, in part: “We urge Governor David Umahi to show a
greater level of transparency and accountability by immediately
reversing the purported ban, and allowing journalists and media houses
to freely cover the activities of his government.”
“Nigerians expect their leaders to show a greater level of transparency
and accountability and to explain and take responsibility for what they
are doing rather than threatening, intimidating, harassing and banning
journalists and media houses from covering their public functions. These
journalists and media houses are simply doing their work and playing
their constitutional roles.”
“The ban clearly runs counter to the notion of a free marketplace of
ideas, necessary to serve the best interests of the public. Barring
journalists undermines Nigeria’s pledges on democratic reforms and the
rule of law and must stop now.”