Civic Space: Akwa Ibom NUJ Calls For Immediate Release Of The Mail Newspaper Distributor 

By Mary Bassey

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council has called for the immediate release of Mr. Chide Ngadiubia, claiming it is a plot to intimidate The Mail Newspaper Editor, Ifreke Nseowo.

The Union further expressed how displeased they feel towards the authority for taking such a step, saying, “the new Akwa Ibom State Justice Administration Law, is against such practice.” 

This was contained in a press release jointly signed by the State Chairman, Amos Etuk, and the State Secretary, Dominic Akpan.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council has been briefed of a plot to intimidate the Editor of The Mail Newspaper, Ifreke Nseowo, by some operatives of the Police in the State.

“The Union is aware that a newspaper distributor, Chidi Ngadiubia, was arrested on Friday, August 12, 2022, in place of Comrade Nsewo.

“It was gathered that Nsewo had received a call from a lady, who asked him to come for an advertorial, but he (Nsewo) directed her to Ngadiubia. 

“While the NUJ is not against the Police arresting any member of the Union who has contravened the law, it is quick to point out that it must follow due process of the law. 

“In the case of the current plot to arrest Nseowo, the Union insists that the right thing would be to invite him to the Police station, where he would be informed of the allegations against him, instead of the crude tactics of arresting Ndagiubia, in lieu of Nseowo. 

“However, the Union insists that if the plot to arrest Nseowo is connected to any story published in his newspaper, the aggrieved party should seek redress in Court. If the publication has criminal contents, Nseowo should be invited, instead of the frantic attempts to take him into custody like a common criminal. 

“The Union hereby calls for the immediate release of Ndagiubia as the new Akwa Ibom State Justice Administration Law, is against such practice. Also, the Union assures all journalists in the State of protection from harassment in line duty at all times. Injury to one is an injury to all.”