The Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ) of the International Press Center (IPC), has said that it is greatly concerned about the alleged reported threats on the life of the Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Angle International Newspaper, Ebule Anthony Metsese.

The centre said that information reaching the I-CSPJ, stated that Ebule Metsese raised alarm over alleged recurring threats to his life as a result of a controversial developments in Warri Kingdom.

I-CSPJ in a statement signed by the Press Freedom Officer of the IPC, Melody Akinjiyan, quoted Ebule as saying that the most recent of such threats was connected to the incident that happened at Okere Community in Warri, Saturday, March 2, 2024.

According to the statement, in a report filed, Ebule stated that, “As an indigene of Okere Community and a seasoned Mass Communicator, who understands and practice the concept of Social Responsibility Theory of the Media, I decided not to publish the event that happened in my beloved Okere Community on that fateful day. Shockingly, despite our (Me and other members of Fresh Angle International Editorial Team) decision to play down on what transpired at Okere, there have been series of warnings, directly or indirectly targeted at me (Ebule Anthony Metsese) insisting that if I publish any report regarding the incident, I will be severely dealt with.”

He further stated, the threats are not unconnected with the patronage Fresh Angle International Newspaper gets from some persons.

“Interestingly some persons in the quarters where the threats are coming from, occasionally patronize Fresh Angle International through proxies, whilst making remarks that impugn on the professional integrity of Fresh Angle International Newspaper in their private and social gatherings.

“A few others from the threat axis, have never bothered to patronize Fresh Angle International Newspaper, whenever they have need to do any form of publicity, rather they enjoy blackmail against Fresh Angle International and are on the trajectory of intimidating members of our Editorial Team, particular me, the Editor-In-Chief. I consider this a deliberate strategy to censor reports from this fast-growing Newspaper, enjoying increasing global appeal,” the report stated.

I-CSPJ said it “is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Ebule Anthony Metsese and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies to ensure that he is not harmed in any way.

“I-CSPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the reports by the organisation or its Editor-in -Chief to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.
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“I-CSPJ believes the time has come to stop attacks on journalists in Nigeria so that the country would stop being counted among dangerous zones for journalists to practice”, the statement added.