Akwa Ibom NUJ Rejects IPI Media Repression Claim

Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, has dismissed allegations of media repression in the State, describing a report by Mr. Mojeed Misikilu of International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria as “false, unfounded and inconsistent with reality.”

Comrade John was speaking in Uyo on Wednesday at a media symposium to mark this year’s Press Week of Akwa Ibom State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.

Comrade John Rejects IPI Allegations After Careful Review

In a reaction to the claim, Comrade John said he had carefully reviewed the concerns raised by IPI, but found no evidence to justify the allegation.

Adding that the assertion of media repression does not reflect the current media climate in Akwa Ibom State.

“That claim is unfounded and baseless,” he stated. “Media repression means taking actions such as harassing or arresting journalists for carrying out their constitutional duties.

I am not aware of any such incident in Akwa Ibom NUJ under my administration.”

NUJ Chairman Slams IPI’s Misleading Criteria as Unverifiable

The NUJ Chairman questioned the criteria used by IPI to arrive at its conclusion, describing the organisation’s “yardstick” as misleading and not rooted in verifiable facts.

Akwa Ibom NUJ maintains zero tolerance for journalist intimidation or censorship.

As NUJ Chairman, I won’t watch media harassment or censorship without raising alarm.

I best positioned to comment on any journalist attacks, harassment, or intimidation in the state.

Comrade John Urges IPI to Engage Stakeholders Before Public

Comrade John urged IPI to rethink and directly engage stakeholders before making public statements about the state.

He cautioned the organisation against publications that could be considered sensational or detached from realities on the ground.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ leadership in Akwa Ibom to defend press freedom and uphold the professional rights and privileges of journalists across the State.

NUJ Akwa Ibom Affirms Journalists’ Rights

NUJ Akwa Ibom under my leadership commits to protecting journalists’ rights, privileges, interests.

We uphold truth, objectivity, fairness in journalism practice and members’ defence.

Comrade John reiterated that the media environment in Akwa Ibom remains open and conducive for journalism.

And cautioned against narratives that could distort the image of the state or undermine the work of journalists.