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MRA Condemns the Arrest of Two
Jouranlists
LAGOS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1997:
The media Rights Agenda (MRA) condemns the ceaseless
harassment and arrest of journalists even at a time when expectation are
high that the Federal Military Government might now be willing to tread
the path of rectitude by releasing those who have been previously
detained.
The Media Rights Agenda is specifically disturbed by the
recent arrest and detention in unknown locations of Nduka Obaigbena,
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay newspaper, and Mr.
Babafemi Ojudu, Managing Editor of The News and Tempo magazines.
We view these arrests and detention as arbitrary, illegal
and unconstitutional as the affected journalists have not been charged
with the commission of any offence known to our laws.
Their arrests, coming in the heels of those of Jenkins
Alumona, editor of The News, Demola Abimboye, Associate Editor of
The News, Gbenga Alaketu, Assistant Editor of Tempo;
Tokunboh Fakeye, Defence Correspondent of The News; Mrs. Ladi
Olorunyomi of the Independent Journalism Centre; and Onome Osifo-Whiskey,
Managing Editor of Tell magazine, signify a systematic attack on
the independence press. We think this attitude on the part of the Federal
Military Government and its security agencies is unnecessary and does them
no good.
Media Rights Agenda again calls on the Federal Military
Government to make a commitment towards respect for human right, including
media freedoms. We also demand the immediate and unconditional release of
these journalists and other journalists presently jailed or detained.
For further information, please contact:
Edetaen Ojo
Executive Director
Tel: 01-860456
E-mail: mra@rcl.nig.com
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