The International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, has honoured the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Ajayi, for being media friendly.
The institute, on the other hand, listed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Governors Umaru Bago of Niger and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, in its Book of Infamy.
President of IPI, Nigeria, Mr Musikilu Mojeed made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja, while unveiling the book titled, ‘Accountability for Journalists’ Rights” at the 2025 IPI Nigeria Annual Conference and General Meeting.
According to Mojeed, since Ajayi assumed office, the DSS has diverted from its old ways of coercion, adoption, intimidation and harassment of journalists in the country.
He noted that the DSS, at the moment, upholds press freedom, adding that, the D-G has shown restraint and willingness to engage and dialogue.
“Meanwhile, Egbetokun reactions to protesters and journalists demonstrated the lack of media friendliness. He allowed systematic oppression of journalists through unnecessary arrests by the police, right under his watch.
“Gov. Bago on the other hand recently and unconstitutionally, without following due process ordered the closure of a radio station, Badegi FM, in Minna over a broadcast he personally felt was not favourable to him.
“Gov. Eno made the black book list for expelling two Channels TV workers from their duties at the Government House in Uyo. He undemocratically stopped them from carrying out their constitutional duties.
“These actions are direct attacks on the journalists, freedom of speech and the media,” Mojeed said.
According to Mojeed, the IPI Nigeria had written to them and engaged them on the issues when they occured, but they remained adamant and showed no willingness to correct the wrongs.
Mojeed listed criteria for blacklisting as contained in the guideline to include, unlawful arrests and detention, physical assault, obstruction, harassment, intimidation and threats.
He, however, explained that where a listed individual or organisation demonstrates genuine remorse and issues a written apology to IPI Nigeria, the concerned journalist and the media organisation may consider delisting such an individual or entity.
“This will be done after thorough review, such application for delisting may take one calendar year to be reviewed and resolved”.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, however, assured that he would intervene and discuss with Egbetokun, Bago and Eno to ensure they are delisted from the IPI’s book of Infamy.
