EBERE WABARA

Police Command acted properly in charging Wabara under an existing law, the journalist is still protected in carrying out his professional duties under Section 39 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution and the Freedom of Information Act. It is regrettable that the Abia State Governor and the Abia State Police Command would behave as if Nigeria was still under military rule, during which period the press suffered emasculation, intimidation, suppression and proscription.

“In case the men and officers of the Abia State Police Command as well as those beating the drums for them have forgotten, we may need to remind them that with the restoration of democratic government in Nigeria on May 29, 1999, and the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, the freedom of the press and the fundamental human rights enshrined in sections 33-46 of the 1999 Constitution have been fully restored to all Nigerians. So the idea of abducting a journalist in Lagos, and transporting him, Gestapo-like, on the basis of some ‘offensive’ publication is not only primitive but indeed, also condemnable.

“We urge Governor Theodore Orji and the Abia State Police Command to withdraw forthwith the trumped-up charges against Wabara, with a letter of apology and adequate compensation for violating his fundamental human rights.

They must also ensure that journalists are no longer harassed or intimidated in the course of their duties. If they object to their publications, especially if they believe them to be libelous, the civilized thing to do is to take legal action against Wabara. Resorting to taking the law into their hands, as it was done in this case, is clearly unacceptable. We call on the Inspector General of Police to call the authorities at Abia State Police Command to order.” The THISDAY memorable editorial ends here.