By Ameh Gabriel
Rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the reported harassment of activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, by the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the recent arrests of journalists in the country, describing the trend as a dangerous assault on press freedom and democratic rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeyanju said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not remain silent on the matter, stressing that his intervention is urgently needed to stop the intimidation of journalists and safeguard Nigeria’s image in the international community.
He recalled that during his June address to the joint session of the National Assembly, the President had stated that he does not care about public criticism. Adeyanju noted that allowing security agencies and presidential aides to hound Sowore and other journalists amounts to double standards.
“Silently allowing this harassment to continue is double-speak. The President must give a clear directive that such actions stop immediately,” Adeyanju said.
The activist also cited recent incidents, including the detention of journalist Sodeeq Atanda after reporting sexual harassment allegations against the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and the arrest of Hassan Yelwa while covering the Shiite Maulid procession in Abuja.
He described these actions as unlawful and condemnable, warning that continued repression of journalists would negatively impact Nigeria’s human rights record and democratic credentials.
“The protection of free speech is not optional. A free press is the bedrock of democracy, and the ongoing intimidation of journalists must end,” Adeyanju declared.
The statement was signed by Deji Adeyanju, Esq.
