The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, has listed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State in its Book of Infamy.
President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja while unveiling a book titled “Accountability for Journalists’ Rights” at the 2025 IPI Nigeria Annual Conference and General Meeting.
According to Mr Mojeed, Mr Egbetokun’s reactions to protesters and journalists demonstrated a lack of media friendliness.
“He allowed the systematic oppression of journalists through unnecessary arrests by the police, right under his watch,” he said.
“Gov. Bago, on the other hand, recently and unconstitutionally ordered the closure of a radio station, Badegi FM, in Minna, without following due process, over a broadcast he personally felt was not favourable to him.
“Gov. Eno made the blacklist for expelling two Channels TV workers from their duties at the Government House in Uyo.
“He undemocratically stopped them from carrying out their constitutional duties.
“These actions are direct attacks on journalists, freedom of speech and the media,” Mr Mojeed said.
According to him, IPI Nigeria had written to the affected officials and engaged them on the issues when they occurred, but they remained adamant and showed no willingness to correct the wrongs.
Mr Mojeed listed the criteria for blacklisting, as contained in the guidelines, to include unlawful arrests and detention, physical assault, obstruction, harassment, intimidation, and threats.
He, however, explained that where a listed individual or organisation demonstrates genuine remorse and issues a written apology to IPI Nigeria, the concerned journalist and the media organisation may consider delisting such an individual or entity.
“This will be done after a thorough review. Such an application for delisting may take one calendar year to be reviewed and resolved,” he added.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, however, assured that he would intervene and discuss with Egbetokun, Bago and Eno to ensure they are delisted from IPI’s Book of Infamy.
NAN
