Statement from the International Press Centre
The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, has condemned the reported recent manhandling of the Abia State Correspondent of PUNCH Newspapers, Mr Ijendu Iheaka on Monday November 28, 2005 at the office of the State Commissioner for Health, Abia State Southeast Nigeria, Dr. Chika Emuchay.
Mr. Iheaka was reported to have been manhandled by one Mr. Jude of the Ministry of Health for taking notes in the waiting room of the Commissioner who had gone for a radio interview with the Abia State Broadcasting Corporation in Umuahia.
IPC Coordinator, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said in a statement today that the action is "barbaric" and "amounts to a breach of the right of the journalist to liberty and the legitimate performance of his reportorial duties".
He however advised the state government to find a way to prevent the reoccurrence of such an action because it will signify a clamp down on the press particularly in Abia State.
For further information please contact:
Bukola Adetan
Research & Documentation Officer
International Press Centre
Tel: 234-8035751297, 234-1-8112422
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.ipcng.org