PH
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to the local government to uphold the rights of the media.
This follows allegations the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike was intimidating journalists.
APC regional spokesman, Chris Finebone, alleged the State Government manipulated the Nigeria Police to arrest and question a correspondent, Chukwudi Akasike, over what the government reportedly claimed was biased reporting against the People’s Democratic Party and State Government.
Finebone allleged the “most pathetic” act of intimidation of journalists in Rivers State was demonstrated a few days ago when government allegedly inspired and sponsored a frivolous petition against a radio journalist, Kofi Bartels.
“Again, the state government used its agents to petition the Department of State Security [DSS] making spurious accusations against the hardworking young man who is among the many bright young journalists breathing life into the electronic media practice in this part of the world.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, it must be stated that the APC in Rivers State views Kofi Bartels as a professional media practitioner who is not ready to pander to any political party or interest including that of the APC. As painful as that may appear, we believe that what he does is exactly within the tenets of his profession and we cannot help it.”
Finebone urged unions to challenge the alleged violations.
“The APC wishes to urge the Nigerian Union of Journalists [NUJ] and the Rivers State Correspondents Chapel to speak up, condemn and resist the assault on their members (an even non-members) especially this satanic and heinous agenda by the notorious Wike-led government in Rivers State.”
