Human Rights Group Demands Release Of Arrested Journalists

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the release of two Kwara-based journalists arrested for defamation by the state Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

HURIWA made the demand in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko on Saturday.

Onwubiko described the governor’s arrest and remand of the pressmen; Akogun Abdulrasidi and Dare Akogun, as undemocratic, draconian and an abuse of power, adding that the governor  should prove his innocence and present facts, if he had any.

“The remand of the two Kwara journalists without trial again tells a sad story of abuse of power by those in government. 

"How do journalists, members of the fourth estate of the realm, who are doing their legitimate duty, how can that be termed as incitement?

“Rather than flexing muscle and abusing power entrusted by the people of the state, the Kwara State Government should cease its draconian and undemocratic suppression of press freedom and free speech. 

"The governor should be reminded that we are in a democracy and not dark days of military despotism.

“He should come up with facts and settle to prove his innocence against corrupt charges if he has any at all.

"Governors like that of Kwara and his brothers in Cross River, Kaduna, amongst others, should desist from oppressing journalists exposing their alleged malfeasance. 

"HURIWA condemns the Kwara situation and demands an immediate end to the persecution of these media practitioners by the Kwara State governor.”

Citing sections 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Onwubiko argued that the press men had freedom of speech and the freedom to express same.

According to reports, an Ilorin Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin on Friday, ordered two journalists to be remanded at Oke-Kura Correctional Centre over allegations of defamation brought against them in a petition by the governor through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The governor also accused the duo of inciting the public against him simply because they accused the government of the day of being most corrupt and of facilitating N15 million for the last election of the Nigerian Union of Journalist, Kwara State chapter.