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Abuja, Nigeria – May 25, 2025 — The International Press Institute (IPI) has issued a strong condemnation of the Akwa Ibom State Government for expelling two Channels TV journalists from the Government House, demanding their immediate recall.

The journalists—a correspondent and a cameraman—were reportedly expelled after Channels TV aired a video clip showing Governor Umo Eno confirming plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The IPI described the government’s reaction as “reckless” and “alarming,” insisting it constitutes a direct assault on press freedom.

In a joint press statement signed by Tobi Soniyi, IPI Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, and Ochiaka Ugwu, Secretary of the Advocacy Committee, the IPI emphasized that “no journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job.”

The statement went on to denounce the expulsion as a violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly Section 22 of Chapter 2, which affirms the press’s role in holding the government accountable.

The IPI warned that actions like this undermine democracy and erode public trust.

“It is especially distressing and disappointing that Governor Umo Eno, considered a media-friendly state executive, could behave in this unacceptable and anti-democratic manner,” the statement read.

“We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy”, it added.

IPI then urged the Akwa Ibom Governor to reverse the expulsion immediately to avoid further damage to his administration’s credibility and democratic standing.

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