IPI launches global campaign against Bago, Eno, Egbetokun over press freedom crackdown

The International Press Institute, IPI, Nigeria says it is set to launch a global campaign against Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged actions that undermine press freedom in Nigeria.

The organisation made the disclosure during the launch of its Press Freedom Hub in Abuja.

IPI Nigeria President and Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, said the affected individuals had earlier been listed in the institute’s “Book of Infamy” for alleged violations against journalists and media freedom.

Mojeed said the new Press Freedom Hub would serve as a centre for advocacy, policy engagement, and monitoring of press freedom issues in Nigeria and beyond.

According to him, the institute initially suspended plans for a broader global campaign following an appeal by Vice President Kashim Shettima during its last annual conference.

He explained that the Vice President had requested time to intervene in the matter.

“At the time, we deliberately refrained from launching a broader campaign out of respect for the Vice President, who attended our conference and asked for time to intervene. We allowed room for dialogue and corrective action,” Mojeed said.

The IPI Nigeria President, however, lamented that no meaningful steps had been taken since then.

“Regrettably, no such action has been taken. The concerns that led to their inclusion in the Book of Infamy remain valid, unaddressed, and ongoing,” he added.

Mojeed warned that IPI Nigeria would now escalate its efforts internationally.

“From this platform, we are announcing the relaunch and escalation of our efforts against these individuals and others listed in the Book.

“IPI Nigeria will initiate a global campaign to hold them accountable until corrective steps are taken. We do not take this lightly, but silence in the face of persistent violations is not an option,” he said.

Speaking at the event, media development expert Amina Salihu commended IPI Nigeria, describing the Press Freedom Hub as a timely intervention for democracy.

She noted that a free press remains central to democratic governance, noting that journalism forms the backbone of any functioning democracy.

“The press is the information infrastructure any democracy needs. Without an independent press, democracy cannot endure,” Salihu stated.