The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council, has been drawn to a report by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) titled “State of Press Freedom in Nigeria: 2024 Subnational Report”, published on some media platforms.
While the Council does not wish to engage in unnecessary disputes with the CJID, it is important to set the record straight based on verifiable facts:
- The ranking of Imo State in the said report is far from the truth and does not reflect the cordial relationship that has existed between the government and journalists since the present administration came on board.
- The NUJ, Imo State Council, expresses its dissatisfaction with the CJID Index Report as it concerns Imo State, due to its lack of factual basis.
- Contrary to CJID’s findings, journalists in Imo State enjoy a robust and cordial working relationship with the administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma.
- It is on record that journalists in the state can freely approach government agencies for information without fear of harassment or intimidation.
- The Uzodinma administration has fostered a strong media-friendly environment, ensuring the safety and professional freedom of journalists in the state.
- The CJID report on Imo State is inaccurate, misleading, and does not reflect the reality of press freedom in the state.
- Journalists in Imo State also enjoy cordial relations with all security agencies, with zero incidents of intimidation, harassment, or attacks on practitioners.
- The NUJ, Imo State Council, therefore disassociates itself from the said report, describing it as biased and unfounded. We urge the CJID team to visit Imo State for on-the-ground assessments rather than relying on unverifiable information.
- Furthermore, the Council calls on our media-friendly Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, to disregard the biased Openness Index Report as published by CJID.
Signed:
Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, JP
Chairman, NUJ Imo State Council