Peter Obi raises concerns over press freedom in Nigeria amid new broadcast regulations
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced concerns regarding press freedom in Nigeria, stating that the country is "drifting dangerously" due to recent regulatory actions affecting broadcast media. In a statement on his X handle, Obi described developments around broadcast regulation as "very troubling," linking his worries to a recent National Broadcasting Commission NBC notice issued before the general elections. He emphasized that a free and responsible media is crucial for accountability and should not be seen as an adversary by any administration. Obi warned that attempts to regulate or intimidate journalists would weaken democracy, asserting that institutions serve the people, not governments. His comments follow an NBC advisory cautioning broadcast stations about professional and ethical breaches, including expressing personal opinions as fact and imbalanced reporting. The commission also warned of sanctions for violations of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code as the 2027 general elections approach, stressing the need for fairness, neutrality, and professionalism. Obi argued that focus should be on governance issues like insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public confidence rather than controlling media narratives. He expressed solidarity with media organizations, stating, "Nigeria does not need stronger control. Nigeria needs stronger institutions."
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commissioner in Osun State has assured residents of a peaceful, credible, and transparent governorship election on August 15. The new Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave this assurance while addressing protesters at the commission’s office in Osogbo. The protest, involving market women and a civil society group, was against the transfer of the former REC, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, with allegations of possible election manipulation. Mrs. Babalola, represented by Mr. Niyi Fayanju, Head of Legal Department, and Mr. Rufus Ariyo, Head of Voters’ Education and Publicity, assured protesters that their votes would count and that the commission has made arrangements for a credible, free, fair, and conclusive election. She acknowledged the residents' fears, promising to uphold the commission's integrity and clarified that staff transfers are a commission prerogative, with the former REC's transfer being in line with civil service rules. Protesters, including artisans Mrs. Sadiat Amsat, Ms. Temitope Abass, and Mrs. Mary Adewale, urged the new REC not to compromise the process or favor any political party. Mr. Musa Abdulsalam, Osun Chairman of the Coalition of Concerned Nigerian Citizens, coordinated the protest and submitted a petition to INEC officials.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has pledged N20 million in support for each of the three soldiers killed in a recent terrorist attack in the Kaiama Local Government Area. Additionally, N5 million will be provided to each of the six officers injured during the operation. The Governor made this announcement during a visit to the injured soldiers at the Intensive Care Unit of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital in Ilorin. He commended the sacrifices of the security personnel and praised the hospital's facilities. The attack, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, involved the detonation of an explosive device at a military camp in the Kemanji community. Residents reported that the incident was preceded by a threat letter. Security operatives and local vigilantes engaged the attackers in a gun duel, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic situation, with residents fleeing and attackers reportedly taking military patrol vehicles and motorcycles. Community stakeholders are calling for urgent action to address the rising insecurity.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for enhanced intelligence sharing and operational synergy among security agencies to address Nigeria’s security challenges. Disu made this appeal during a visit to the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC in Abuja, marking the first such visit by a sitting IG to the Corps. He emphasized the shared mandate of safeguarding lives and property between the police and NSCDC, stressing the need for a unified front to achieve lasting peace. The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to inter-agency cooperation, highlighting their longstanding relationship with the police. Audi identified collaboration, cooperation, and coordination as crucial for security agencies and encouraged citizens to provide useful information to authorities. This call for strengthened collaboration comes amidst ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where operational gaps have often been attributed to insufficient coordination and intelligence sharing among agencies.
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed two public toilets in Surulere and Lagos Island for discharging untreated faecal matter and raw sewage into canals and public drains. The enforcement action, taken on Tuesday, April 21, targeted a toilet at No. 68, Jinadu Street, Surulere, for polluting the environment by discharging untreated faecal matter into a canal. The second toilet, located at Marina under Bridge, Lagos Island, was sealed for deliberately discharging raw sewage and untreated wastewater into public drains using a pumping machine. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that these acts constitute a public nuisance, environmental pollution, and endanger human health. The Lagos State Government urged residents to adopt proper wastewater management and hygiene practices, warning that environmental nuisances would face sanctions and possible prosecution. The move has been positively received by Lagos residents on X, with calls for sustained inspections and prosecution of offenders. The LSWMO has intensified enforcement against illegal wastewater discharge across the state, sealing properties in areas like Surulere, Amuwo Odofin, Victoria Island, and Lekki for similar violations.