THE International Press Institute (IPI) has urged the Akwa Ibom State government to immediately reinstate two Channels TV journalists who were expelled from the Government House on its directive.
This was made known in a statement on Sunday May 25, 2025 signed by its secretary, Ochiaka Ugwu.
The statement noted that the Channels TV correspondent and cameraman were expelled after the station aired a video showing Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno admitting that he was planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement read in part:“ The state government’s reckless action is an alarming development. These journalists are experienced media personnel with a deep knowledge of government activities, and no journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job.
“We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.
“We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
“The state government’s action was described as a clear violation of Section 22, Chapter 2 of the Constitution, which states that the press, radio, television, and other mass media agencies must always be free to promote the fundamental objectives outlined in the chapter and ensure the government’s accountability to the people.”
The statement further expressed concern and disappointment that Governor Umo Eno, known for being media-friendly, would engage in such an unacceptable and anti-democratic act.
While emphasising that independent journalism, press freedom, and impartial reporting are crucial to a functioning democracy, the governor was urged to immediately rescind the expulsion.
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org