The International Press Institute (IPI) on Sunday called on Governor Umo Eno to recall the Channels TV journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo.
The crew, a journalist and a cameraman, were evicted over the publication of a video clip in which the Governo finally confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But in a statement jointly signed by its Legal Adviser and Chairman Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and Secretary of Advocacy Committee, Ochiaka Ugwu, the institute wants the state government to rescind the eviction.
“The International Press Institute (IPI) has called for the immediate recall of the Channels TV journalists expelled from the Akwa Ibom State Government House on the state government’s orders.
“The Channel TV Correspondent and Cameraman were expelled following a video clip aired on Channels TV in which Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, was seen confirming his imminent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” the statement said.
IPI described the “state government’s reckless action as an alarming development,” adding that the journalists were experienced media personnel with a deep knowledge of government’s activities.
”No journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job.
“We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.
“We strongly condemn the Akwa Ibom State Government’s action, which is a direct attack on the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, ” it added.
The state government’s action is also a gross violation of Section 22 of Chapter 2 of the constitution, which provides that “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.
“It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner.
”We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy.
”We call on the governor to immediately reverse the expulsion and save his government from further embarrassment.”
Eno had told his cabinet members on Thursday to prepare their resignation letters if they were unwilling to defect with him to the APC.
“We want our commissioners and members of Exco, appointees, and those of you who are saying that you would not come, you are free absolutely not to join me, but you won’t be in my State Executive Council.
“Prepare to resign the day I announced that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” the governor said.
