UYO, Nigeria — The International Press Institute (IPI) has condemned the expulsion of Channels Television journalists from the Akwa Ibom State Government House and called on Governor Umo Eno to immediately reverse the decision, describing it as a violation of press freedom and constitutional rights.
The expulsion of Channels TV correspondent Christopher Moffat and his cameraman followed the broadcast of a video in which Governor Eno confirmed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The footage, which aired last week, showed the governor instructing his commissioners and political appointees to either defect with him or resign.
“You are free absolutely not to join me, but you won’t be in my State Executive Council,” Governor Eno said in the video.
“Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving… You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party.”
The footage triggered a backlash within the government, leading to the eviction of the Channels TV crew from the Government House press centre in Uyo.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, May 25, 2025, IPI described the state government’s action as “reckless” and “an alarming development.”
The statement was signed by IPI Legal Adviser and Chairman of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, and Secretary of the Advocacy Committee, Ochiaka Ugwu.
“No journalist should be made to face this kind of humiliating treatment simply for doing their job,” the statement said.
“We will continue to support and encourage impartial reportage no matter the situation.”
IPI called the expulsion a violation of Section 22 of Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the press the right to hold the government accountable.
The organisation noted that such a move undermines democracy and damages the state’s image.
“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 continued.
“We hereby remind him that independent journalism, press freedom and unbiased reportage are essential to democracy.”
IPI urged the governor to reverse the decision immediately “and save his government from further embarrassment.”
As of press time, the Akwa Ibom State Government has not issued a formal response to IPI’s statement or to growing calls from the media community and civil society organisations for the reinstatement of the expelled journalists.
