Press release

In response to concerns expressed by the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) , the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Civil Society Partners,  on the  abduction of the General Editor of FirstNews newspapers, Mr. Segun Olatunji, and a demand on the government for accountability, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), requested a meeting with the NPO, BON and the Civil Society Partners on April 14.2024.

 

The military authorities said they acted to forestall a potential threat to national security and would have reported the matter to the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC) – The National Media Ombudsman – if they had been aware of its existence.

 

After considering this disposition towards the Ombudsman, the NPO, BON and the Civil Society Partners have decided after reviewing the outcome of the April 14 meeting, to refer the matter to the Ombudsman for adjudication.

 

The report of the Ombudsman process would be made public.

 

We hope that the parties concerned will seize this  opportunity to settle the matter in the interest of law, order and respect for the provisions of Nigeria’s constitution.

 

Besides, the specific issue of Olatunji, the group  condemns the increasing militarisation of the civic space, which has seen increasing use of excessive force by soldiers in matters that would have ordinarily be handled by the police.

 

SIGNED

Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf

President, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) / President, Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO)

 

Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose

Executive Secretary, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON)

 

Eze Anaba

President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

 

Comrade Chris Isiguzo, MFR

National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

 

Maureen Chigbo

President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP)

 

Musikilu Mojeed

President, International Press Institute, Nigeria Chapter (IPI Nigeria)

 

Edetaen Ojo

Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

 

Lanre Arogundade

Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC)

 Adetokunbo Mumuni

 

Director

Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP)

 

April 22, 2024