….. Condemns Invasion of Joy FM 96.5 Otukpo
The Safety and Protection of Journalists, SPJ, hub of the International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos – Nigeria has expressed great concern about reported threats on the life of an Ibadan-based journalist, Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM.
This is contained in an online statement issued by the Press Freedom Officer of IPC, Melody Akinjiyan and made available to Trend Reporters.
The statement observed that report reaching the Safety Alert Desk of IPC, indicated that Oyeladun made claim about threat to his life via a ‘Save My Soul’ message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, 30th January, 2023.
According to the statement, the journalist noted that the threat was related to a programme he anchored, tagged “Bosenlo” after which the CPS to Soun Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests.
“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balance opinion and free speech in a democratic setting. I’m living in a society where the system favours the elite and those in position of authority,” he alleged.
Oyeladun who claimed that he has been receiving strange threat calls since he anchored the programme, further said “I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked of my job! If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? being a child of nobody. Friend and family please keep praying for my safety”.
While expressing concern about the situation of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun, IPC-SPJ called on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way.
IPC-SPJ advised anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.
The media organization also called on other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for Oyeladun safety.
Meanwhile, the IPC-SPJ has also condemned the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government.
A team of heavily armed policemen, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone, reportedly stormed the radio station in two trucks and shut it down.
Staff members of the radio station were assaulted, including a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin who was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast.
IPC-SPJ, in its reaction, described the incident as an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy.
The media organisation therefore demanded an immediate investigation into the incident, with appropriate punishment meted on those found guilty.
