PIDOMNigeria: Nigeria turning into a ‘banana republic’ – Obi speaks on journalist arrest

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the ongoing harassment of journalists in Nigeria, warning that the country risks becoming a “Banana Republic” where journalists are silenced or disappear for performing their duties.

Obi’s comments follow reports of the disappearance of the whistleblower known as PIDOM Nigeria. Investigative journalist David Hundeyin revealed on X.com that PIDOM Nigeria, who tweets under the handle #PIDOMNIGERIA, was confirmed to be in police custody.

Hundeyin reported that the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed PIDOM Nigeria’s detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja.

PIDOM Nigeria’s arrest reportedly stems from allegations of undermining government operations by leaking classified documents and other cyber-related offenses.

The situation has intensified public concern over press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development via a tweet on his official X handle, @PeterObi, on Tuesday he decried the alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security.

Obi said, “… disturbing and unacceptable” was the harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures against Nigerian investigative journalists by agents of the government lately.

“The fundamental right to free speech is inextricably linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making.

“The alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest underscores the urgent need for 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 truth, are protected by the laws that guard and protect freedom of expression in a democracy.

“It is therefore deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have of late been subjected to harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures by agents of the government. The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a grave concern,” he said.

Obi said Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for his whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing.

He feared “If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.”

“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 government is fully accountable to the citizens. These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek,” he said.

Reacting earlier, Pro-democracy activist, Omoyele Sowore, had also condemned the action, calling for PIDOM’s immediate release.

In a post on X.com on Friday, Sowore wrote, “I woke up to the heart-wrenching report of the abduction and secret detention of whistleblower and undercover journalist #PIDOMNIGERIA by forces related to the #officialABAT; going by the modus operandi of the regime, #PIDOMNIGERIA could be harmed if everything is not done to secure his release immediately.

“I, therefore, request the #officialABAT regime Gestapo unit holding #PIDOMNIGERIA to release him or her immediately. The same applies to all #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters illegally or extralegally detained across Nigeria.”

Recall News360 Nigeria earlier reported the Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa and an investigative journalist, Adejuwon Soyinka, was arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday.

A distress message sent to PUNCH Online by one of his friends stated that Soyinka was picked up shortly after arriving from the United Kingdom.

It was gathered though Soyinka was later released by the DSS, who held him in their Ikoyi office, his passport was seized.