EFCC’s Gestapo-Style Invasion of Urban Radio Enugu Condemned by Guild of Public Affairs Analysts
The Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, has vehemently condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invasion of Urban Radio in Enugu, describing it as a blatant attack on press freedom and democratic values.
“The actions of EFCC at Urban Radio, Enugu, on the 14th of October, 2024, is reminiscent of the fascist, despotic and dark era in Nigeria’s history where all efforts were made to intimidate, harass, bully and silence the media,” stated Ambrose Igboke, the Chairman of the Guild, and Chikezie Obasi, the Secretary, in a joint statement.
According to reports, EFCC agents stormed the radio station in a “gestapo style,” interrupting a live broadcast and arresting presenter Favour Ekoh. This drastic action has drawn widespread criticism, with the Guild arguing that the EFCC’s methods were excessive and unjustified.
“The EFCC has, again, demonstrated that though we are in a democratic dispensation, it continues to operate as though we are in an authoritarian government,” Igboke emphasized.
The Guild stressed that the EFCC’s actions undermine the fundamental rights of journalists and the media’s role in a democratic society.
“The arrest of a journalist, while on a live programme, is an affront on free speech and an attempt to cow journalists. It is a huge infringement on journalistic practice which is guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” they noted.
The Guild has called upon the EFCC’s national hierarchy to investigate this incident and discipline the responsible officers.
“We call on the National hierarchy of the EFCC to investigate this matter and bring the erring officers to discipline,” Igboke urged.
The organization emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the media and the EFCC, urging the Commission to respect the boundaries of democratic governance.
“The media industry has consistently collaborated and partnered with the EFCC. The actions of overzealous officers of the Commission might jeopardize this mutual relationship if necessary actions are not taken,” Igboke warned.
The incident has sparked concerns about the EFCC’s commitment to upholding democratic values and respecting the rights of journalists. As the Guild noted, “Though we are in a democratic dispensation, [the EFCC] continue to operate as though we are in an authoritarian government.”
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