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IPC Condemns Attack on News Central Reporters & Camera men

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Press Release #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTS IPC Condemns Attack on News Central Reporters & Camera men For immediate release, August 7, 2024 As the #endbadgovernance protests enter the seventh day, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos condemns in totality the assault on News Central reporters and camera men by thugs at Freedom Park, Ojota while reporting the protests yesterday, Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that there were a handful of police men nearby but they did not lift a finger to stop them when the thugs arrived and assaulted the press crew. “The thugs who were more than ten (10), attacked the crew of News Central Television, who went to the venue to monitor the situation. When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by the hoodlums’ wielding sticks and shovels. The thugs assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee, Daily Report published. The Press Freedom Officer, IPC said this incident and many others recorded since the nationwide protests started raises concerns about press freedom and safety of journalists during protests and coverage of societal events. Report published on Pulse.ng stated that, “the Commissioner of Police @LagosPoliceNG, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly. He gave this directive yesterday when the crew involved, led by News Central MD, @KayodeAkintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.” IPC is therefore again calling on the security agencies, in particular the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State, CP Adegoke Fayoade to fulfill his pledge to go after the thugs who assaulted the journalists and interrogate the policemen who looked the other way while journalists were being attacked. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org — Melody AkinjiyanProgram Officer

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AUGUST 1 PROTESTS – SITUATION ROOM REPORT IPC condemns attacks on journalists during nation-wide protests

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Press Release AUGUST 1 PROTESTS – SITUATION ROOM REPORTIPC condemns attacks on journalists during nation-wide protests For immediate release, August 1, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos has condemned in strong terms the reported attacks on journalists and other media professionals on Thursday August 1 while covering the first day of a nation-wide protest by groups demanding end to hardship inducing economic policies. Information gathered by IPC’s journalists’ safety alert situation room revealed that a number of journalists and media professionals faced one form of attack or the other including physical assault, harassment, denial of access to cover the protest, etc. Some of the affected journalists were injured, arrested or had their working tools destroyed.The details of the incidents as documented by IPC’s Safety of Journalists Alert Desk include: Lagos StateBenard Akede of News Central Television was interrupted and harassed by Police officers and LCC officials who barred him and other journalists from interviewing anyone during a live broadcast. Kano StateIbrahim Isah, TVC News Correspondent was physically assaulted by hoodlums who were with weapons while covering the protest in Kano. He sustained injuries on his hand.A vehicle belonging to Channels television and conveying about eleven (11) journalists which included TVC News Correspondent, Ibrahim Isah was vandalized. The journalists onboard were traumatized by the unfortunate incident. FCT, AbujaYakubu Mohammed of Premium Times was attacked and injured by Police officers who hit him with the butt of their gun and their batons and caused injuries to his head while covering the protest in Abuja.Cameras belonging to journalists were also destroyed by Police officers. Jide Oyekunle, a photojournalist with Daily Independent was arrested and his mobile phone seized by Police officers. Mary Adeboye of News Central Television was also affected by tear gas thrown by Police officers while covering the protest in the FCT Cross-River StateHoodlums in Calabar, Cross River State, launched an attack on journalists, seriously injuring Nigerian Tribune reporter, Joseph Abasi-Abasi. The hoodlums targeted an 18-seater bus belonging to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that was transporting food items to the Ernest Etim Press Centre in Calabar. Jonathan Ugbal of Cross River Watch was arrested by the Police, beaten and taken to an unknown destination in Calabar. He was later released. Delta StateMatthew Ochei of Punch Newspaper, Monday Osayande of Guardian Newspaper and a Pointer reporter Lucy were attacked by anti-protest protesters who arrived the location of the protest and chased away protesters amidst security agencies. The journalists were taking pictures and conducting interviews when the allegedly pro-government protesters smashed their gadgets and attacked them. The Press Freedom Officer of IPC, Melody Akinjiyan in a statement described the attacks as a troubling repeat of history stating that under no condition should journalists on legitimate duty be assaulted by law enforcement agencies and thugs. “It is regrettable that the incidents were recorded despite calls by IPC and other media groups on stakeholders and security agencies to ensure a safe environment for journalists covering the protests”, she said. Stating that “The rights of journalists to cover and report protests and other societal activities as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigeria Constitution and various regulatory frameworks have not been respected as expected”, she called on all concerned security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

Press Release

The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed

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29 July 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed Abuja, Nigeria: In light of recent events and ongoing discussions surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change. Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process. Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people. History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance. While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety. Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive. Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately. Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state. We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests. The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy. We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest. We encourage all citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Signed: 1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative 2. Accountability Lab Nigeria 3. Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda 4. BudgIT Foundation 5. Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID) 6. Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) 7. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) 8. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) 9. Dataphyte Foundation 10. DigiCivic Initiative 11. Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria 12. Farnnel Women Foundation 13. Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development 14. Global Rights 15. Health Education and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI) 16. HIFWAC Relief 17. Hope Behind Bars Africa 18. Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF) 19. International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) 20. International Press Centre (IPC) 21. Invictus Africa 22. Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation 23. Media Rights Agenda (MRA) 24. Mothers United and Mobilised 25. Nigeria Network of NGOs 26. Paradigm Initiative (PIN) 27. Policy Alert 28. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) 29. Research Centre for Development Action 30. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) 31. Sesor Empowerment Foundation 32. TechHer NG 33. The Meluibe Empowerment Foundation 34. We the People 35. WikkiTimes 36. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) 37. Yiaga Africa

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ABDUCTION OF TWO JOURNALISTS IN KADUNA: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE

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ABDUCTION OF TWO JOURNALISTS IN KADUNA: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE For immediate release, July 8, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for a concerted effort towards the immediate release of Chairman of University Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe and Blueprint Newspapers reporter, AbdulRaheem Aodu, who were kidnapped alongside their wives and children in the night of Saturday, July 6, 2024 at their residence in Danhonu Community in Millennium City of Chikun LGA, Kaduna State. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “one of the victims’ family members, who lived close to their house, Taofeeq Olayemi confirmed the incident saying the bandits attacked the community around 10:30pm on Saturday night and started shooting sporadically before kidnapping the victims.” “They first forced Aodu’s door open and picked him and his wife and left their sick daughter behind. Then, they entered Abdulgafar’s house through the fence and jumped into his house. They went straight into his bedroom and picked him, his wife and two of their kids and left immediately, the report revealed.” IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The spate of insecurity in the country should be of serious concern to all adding that it is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets.” I-CSPJ enjoins the Kaduna State Government and relevant security agencies to do all they can to ensure that all the victims kidnapped are set free without being harmed in any way. I-CSPJ therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for their release and safety. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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IPC and CEMESO Host Two-Day Annual Stakeholders Meeting and Roundtable on Scorecard & Electoral Process Coverage

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Press Release IPC and CEMESO Host Two-Day Annual Stakeholders Meeting and Roundtable on Scorecard & Electoral Process Coverage For immediate release Lagos, Nigeria – July 6, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), both implementing partners of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGNII) project within Component 4: Support to Media are set to hold two virtual events. The first is a Roundtable on Issues, Trends and Challenges in Coverage of The Electoral Process while the second is an Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting to review the Media’s Performance Scorecard. The initiatives seek to enhance democracy in Nigeria by harnessing the media encompassing broadcast, print, and online platforms—to actively engage with and provide professional coverage of the electoral process. Scheduled to convene virtually on July 8 and 9, the inaugural meeting aims to tackle challenges related to misinformation and disinformation, examining the media’s role in upholding information integrity during the 2023 electoral processes and its impact on promoting voter education. The outcome of the deliberations will inform the development of novel insights aimed at fostering enhanced strategic collaborations and achieving more impactful outcomes leading up to the 2027 elections. The second meeting will evaluate the Media’s Performance Scorecard in the elections and processes, assessing the effectiveness of media interventions in achieving their intended objectives.  Key stakeholders, encompassing media professionals from print, broadcast, and online platforms, as well as prominent figures in the media industry, will participate. This meeting aims to foster dialogue, exchange experiences, and share success stories to further enhance media conduct at elections. The sessions will focus on key topics, including measures to elevate the professionalism of media professionals, strategies to combat electoral misinformation and disinformation, enriching the coverage of the electoral process, improving the dissemination of civic and voter education, fostering media awareness, utilising the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to bolster accountability, strengthening the capabilities of broadcasting regulatory entities, and encouraging media involvement in advocating for the representation of women, youths, and marginalised groups in the political sphere. In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC said: “The initiatives provide a platform for diverse stakeholders including journalists, election officials, and civil society representatives to collaboratively address emerging issues such as misinformation, voter suppression, and evolving electoral laws which in turn foster greater understanding and promote best practices” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, said: “Both organisations are consistently exploring strategies that enhance transparency and accountability in media practices at elections”. “By evaluating critical metrics such as accuracy, fairness, and responsiveness to public concerns, stakeholders can gauge the media’s effectiveness in serving the public’s interest.” He added. These initiatives are supported by the European Union, highlighting its commitment to promoting democratic values and media integrity in Nigeria. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer Component 4 (Support to Media) EUSDGN II Project tayoade@ipcng.org

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IPC Hosts Media Dialogue & Stakeholders’ Interface on Credible Edo Governorship Election

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IPC Hosts Media Dialogue & Stakeholders’ Interface on Credible Edo Governorship Election For immediate releaseLagos, Nigeria – July 3, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos, Nigeria, is convening a Media Dialogue and Stakeholders’ Interface to address mechanisms for guaranteeing credible conduct of Edo State Governorship Election in September this year. The dialogue and interface are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the media is Fair, Accurate, Ethical, and Inclusive in its coverage of elections while other stakeholders also perform their role creditably. This initiative, slated for July 4 and 5, 2024, in Benin, Edo State, aligns with the goal of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGNII) project funded by the European Union. The principal aim is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities diligently, so that the Edo governorship election can be devoid of violence, disinformation and misinformation with the people being able to freely make informed choices. The first day’s sessions will, among others, focus on identifying priority issues for Edo citizens in the elections, early warning indicators of possible violence, key points for civic/voter education and how the media can report fairly, inclusively and accurately. The discussions will also be framed within the EUOM recommendations aimed at enhancing media performance during elections, guaranteeing the integrity of information, and aligning with regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. On the second day, meetings will be held with key institutional stakeholders including the INEC Resident Commissioner for Edo State, the Edo State Police Command, the Civil Defence Corps, etc. The meetings will emphasise shared responsibilities and the cultivation of cooperative partnerships to protect journalists, promote peaceful elections, and enhance public understanding of voting and counting procedures. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, in a statement said: “We expect that this intervention will promote meaningful dialogues and strengthen commitment towards hitch-free Edo Governorship election. The event is expected to attract about 50 stakeholders among who shall be male and female political reporters and other journalists from the Print, Broadcast and Online media who will be on duty during the governorship election. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to Media)EUSDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

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ABDUCTION OF GLOBALUPFRONT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:I-CSPJ CALLS FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Press Release     For immediate release, May 23, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for the immediate release of Globalupfront Editor-in-Chief, Madu Onuorah who was whisked away by men of the Nigerian Police Force at about 6p.m on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at his residence in Lugbe, FCT Abuja. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “About ten fully-armed policemen stormed his residence in Lugbe, Abuja, in two Sienna buses.”   “He was arrested in the presence of his wife and children who fruitlessly demanded from the police why they were arresting the head of the family. He was not even allowed to contact his lawyer or any of his relations before he was whisked away to the Lugbe police station,” the report revealed. IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The media once again is under attack. The rate at which journalists and media practitioners are being arrested is alarming and should be of serious concern to all.” “Anybody who has an issue against Madu Onuorah should approach the court of justice and not use the Police to unlawfully infringe his fundamental rights,” Arogundade further said. I-CSPJ calls on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Madu Onuorah, who at the time of drafting this statement as not been released or charged to court. I-CSPJ also calls on other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for a free press in Nigeria. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS

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Press Release PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS For immediate release, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), hereby strongly registers its displeasure over yet another incident of harassment of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, by officials of the State Security Service otherwise known as the DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria. The incident of Thursday April 11, while Mr. Arogundade prepared to board a late-night Air France Flight to Berlin, Germany to participate in the respective general meetings and conferences of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) would be the umpteenth of such unwelcome development. Mr. Arogundade is a renowned journalist, advocate for social justice and democracy, former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. We believe these roles and positions should not warrant his unending torment by the DSS. Mr. Arogundade recounted the encounter in a Facebook post: “I was harassed by DSS officials for about 40 minutes because they claimed my name was still flashing on their watchlist despite the declaration two years ago by the Director General of the State Security Service, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, that my name had been removed when he met a delegation of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) led by Musikilu Mojeed.” Mr. Arogundade additionally informed IPC management that the senior DSS official to whom he was referred threatened to bar him from traveling unless he produced his old passports describing the request as “bizarre and ridiculous”. IPC holds that the persistent harassment violates Mr. Arogundade’s right to freedom of movement while undermining basic democratic principles. IPC hereby calls on the Director General of the DSS, and in particular his men and officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to desist from further harassing Mr. Arogundade. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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 Press Release PERSISTENT HARASSMENT OF LANRE AROGUNDADE BY DSS CONSTITUTES SYSTEMATIC ABUSE OF POWER AND VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHT  For immediate release, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), hereby strongly registers its displeasure over yet another incident of harassment of its Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, by officials of the State Security Service otherwise known as the DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria. The incident of Thursday April 11, while Mr. Arogundade prepared to board a late-night Air France Flight to Berlin, Germany to participate in the respective general meetings and conferences of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) would be the umpteenth of such unwelcome development. Mr. Arogundade is a renowned journalist, advocate for social justice and democracy, former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students. We believe these roles and positions should not warrant his unending torment by the DSS. Mr. Arogundade recounted the encounter in a Facebook post: “I was harassed by DSS officials for about 40 minutes because they claimed my name was still flashing on their watchlist despite the declaration two years ago by the Director General of the State Security Service, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, that my name had been removed when he met a delegation of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) led by Musikilu Mojeed.” Mr. Arogundade additionally informed IPC management that the senior DSS official to whom he was referred threatened to bar him from traveling unless he produced his old passports describing the request as “bizarre and ridiculous”. IPC holds that the persistent harassment violates Mr. Arogundade’s right to freedom of movement while undermining basic democratic principles. IPC hereby calls on the Director General of the DSS, and in particular his men and officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport to desist from further harassing Mr. Arogundade. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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ABDUCTION OF CHANNELS TV REPORTER: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE

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Press Release ABDUCTION OF CHANNELS TV REPORTER: I-CSPJ CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS ON RELEASE For immediate release, April 12, 2024 IPC’s Centre for the Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), Lagos-Nigeria is calling for a concerted effort towards the immediate release of Channels TV reporter, Joshua Rogers, who was whisked away to an unknown place by gunmen around 9p.m on Thursday April 11, 2024, close to his residence at Rumuosi in Port-Harcourt. Information reaching, I-CSPJ reveals that, “Joshua Rogers was driving his official Channels Television branded car when the hoodlums accosted, pointed a gun at him and took him away in the same vehicle.” Rogers was said to be returning from his official assignment in Government House after a trip to Andoni for a government event when the incident happened. “Already, the gunmen were said to have contacted his wife and demanded a N30million ransom for his release, the report revealed.” IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said: “The spate of insecurity in the country should be of serious concern to all adding that it is very disturbing that journalists and media practitioners have also become easy targets.” I-CSPJ enjoins the Rivers State Government and relevant security agencies to do all they can to ensure that Joshua Rogers is set free without being harmed in any way. I-CSPJ therefore appeals to other national, regional and international media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his release and safety. SGD:Melody AkinjiyanPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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