PRESS RELEASE
Ngwa Rangers Condemn Hon. Emeruwa’s Brazen Assault on Press Freedom
Our attention has been drawn to the outrageous and autocratic action of the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who ejected a journalist from ENYIMBA TV and RADIO LTD, Kingsley Chibuike, from a press briefing without any justification on June 27, 2024.
No speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly has ever sent a journalist out of a press conference. Emeruwa’s action is the first of its kind in the history of Abia State, and it should not be tolerated. We will not allow a few individuals paid with taxpayers’ money to turn into tyrants.
We are appalled that a sitting Speaker would resort to such dictatorial behavior, silencing the very people who are meant to hold him accountable. This action is a clear indication of Hon. Emeruwa’s disdain for the fundamental rights of citizens and his utter disregard for the principles of democracy.
As enshrined in Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”
We have noted that Emeruwa’s action is a result of the bold and courageous questions the correspondent had asked in the past. We condemn this action in its entirety and reject this blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press.
We demand an immediate apology to Kingsley Chibuike, the Press, and the people of Abia State from the Speaker for his actions and a commitment to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation or harassment. We also demand that the Speaker takes concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
To the people of Abia State, we urge you to rise up and condemn this brazen assault on press freedom. Let us stand together and fight for our rights to a free and independent press.
To our colleagues in the journalism profession, we urge you not to be intimidated or silenced by actions such as those of Hon. Emeruwa. Continue to report the truth without fear or favor, and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Signed,
Comrade Kingsley Ihesiaba
Publicity secretary
Ngwa Rangers
Ngwa Rangers
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