Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has raised alarms over the growing harassment of journalists in Nigeria, warning that the country is at risk of descending into a “Banana Republic” where freedom of the press is severely curtailed. His comments follow reports of the arrest and detention of an anonymous whistleblower, known as PIDOM Nigeria, who has been active on social media exposing government misconduct.
Obi expressed his concerns via a tweet on Tuesday, condemning the pattern of suppressing journalists and whistleblowers for their work, especially when it does not pertain to national security. He stressed the importance of free speech and the public’s right to access information, which is crucial for holding the government accountable.
“…disturbing and unacceptable” is how Obi described the harassment, abduction, and detention of investigative journalists by government agents. He emphasized that these actions undermine democracy and the rule of law, calling for immediate accountability and transparency regarding PIDOM Nigeria’s detention.
The whistleblower’s arrest was confirmed by journalist David Hundeyin, who reported that PIDOM Nigeria is being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. The police claim the arrest is linked to the leaking of classified documents and other cyber-related offenses.
Obi warned that continued harassment of journalists could lead Nigeria toward a state where dissenting voices are silenced, which he argues is not the future Nigerians deserve. He called for justice, accountability, and an end to these attacks on press freedom.
Pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the arrest, demanding the immediate release of PIDOM Nigeria and expressing concern for their safety. Sowore’s statement highlighted the urgency of resisting what he described as repressive tactics by the government.
This incident follows a troubling trend, including the recent detention of Adejuwon Soyinka, an investigative journalist and Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Lagos’ Muritala Muhammed International Airport. Although Soyinka was later released, his passport was confiscated by the DSS, raising further concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.
