Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has called for justice for Nigerian whistleblower Isaac Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOMNigeria, who was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force, describing his “disappearance and detention“, as a “grave concern“.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, criticized the Nigerian government for suppressing press freedom by harassing journalists. He said it is important that journalists are free to hold governments accountable and called for Nigerian authorities in turn to be held accountable for PIDOM’s whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing against him.
Demands For Justice
“The fundamental right to free speech is inextricably linked to the right to access information about government activities and decision-making,” Obi said in his morning X post on Tuesday, August 27.
“The alarming trend of government agents suppressing information unrelated to national security or interest underscores the urgent need for the Freedom of Information Bill.
“Citizens rely on journalists and the media to hold those in power accountable, particularly when governments err or overreach.
“Investigative journalists, who play a crucial role in uncovering the truth, are protected by the laws that guard and protect freedom of expression in a democracy.
“It is therefore deeply disturbing and unacceptable that Nigerian investigative journalists have of late been subjected to harassment, abduction, detention, and other draconian measures by agents of the government.
“The disappearance and detention of @PIDOMNIGERIA, a journalist, is a grave concern.
“Nigerian authorities must be held accountable for his whereabouts and any alleged wrongdoing.”
Writing further, Peter Obi said, “If such actions continue, Nigeria risks degenerating into a Banana Republic where journalists are silenced or simply disappear for simply doing their job.
“This is not the Nigeria we want or deserve. We demand justice, accountability, and an end to these egregious attacks on press freedom.
“We seek an open society in which citizens express themselves freely, have access to unclassified information, and in which the government is fully accountable to the citizens. These are the minimum requirements of the new society we seek.”
Background To The Story
Bristol Tamunobiefiri is a Nigerian whistleblower known online as @PIDOMNIGERIA or “99% Oppressed.” The Nigeria Police Force apprehended him on August 5, 2024, in Rivers State, following allegations of involvement in cyber-related offenses, unlawful possession, and leaking classified government documents.
The arrest sparked much concern and controversy, especially within the Nigerian social media space where many view PIDOMNIGERIA as a vital figure in exposing official corruption.
His disappearance has led to a social media outcry, with activists and public figures including Oby Ezekwesili – former Minister of Education, demanding transparency from the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) about his whereabouts. The police eventually confirmed that he was in custody and would face charges in court soon.
This situation has raised questions about the treatment of whistleblowers in Nigeria and its potential implications for freedom of speech and accountability within the country. Now, popular politicians like Peter Obi are joining in the demand for justice and greater transparency.
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