Umuahia, Abia State – May 3, 2025 —
The Igbo World Union (IWU) has issued a strong statement condemning all forms of media intimidation and harassment, calling on the Nigerian government and global stakeholders to enact bold policy reforms that guarantee press freedom and the protection of journalists.
The call came as part of the union’s message commemorating World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Umuahia, the President-General of the Igbo World Union, His Imperial Majesty Amb. Sir Dr. Mishak Nnanta, KJW, Gburugburu Ndigbo Dum, described press freedom as a foundational pillar of democracy and human rights, emphasizing that any attempt to silence the media is an attack on truth, accountability, and justice.
“The media is the conscience of the society. Any attempt to intimidate, censor, or manipulate the press is not just a threat to journalism but a grave danger to democracy itself,” Nnanta declared. “We must defend the right of journalists to report the truth, investigate wrongdoing, and hold power accountable without fear of persecution.”
Nnanta decried instances of media repression, including arrests of journalists, threats to media houses, and laws that restrict freedom of expression.
He urged government institutions at both state and federal levels to align Nigeria’s press laws with global democratic standards.
“Our government must do more than pay lip service to press freedom. We need legislative reforms that clearly protect media practitioners and encourage investigative journalism,” he stated. “The future of our nation depends on a well-informed public, and that is only possible when the press is free and fearless.”
He further urged media professionals not to allow themselves to be used as tools of propaganda or ethnic division, stressing that the integrity of the press must be maintained, especially in this era of widespread misinformation and digital manipulation.
“I call on journalists to remain courageous, professional, and ethical. Do not allow yourselves to be cowed or co-opted. The truth is your weapon, and the people are your shield,” Nnanta said.
The IWU also expressed solidarity with journalists across Nigeria and the Igbo diaspora who have been harassed or silenced for their reporting. The organization reiterated its commitment to advocating for their rights and amplifying their voices on international platforms.
Concluding his remarks, Gburugburu Ndigbo Dum called on international partners, civil society organizations, and human rights bodies to intensify their support for free press initiatives across Africa.
“We must work together to safeguard press freedom as a global democratic ideal. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” he noted.
While the IWU acknowledged the environmental focus of this year’s celebration, it insisted that fundamental freedoms must first be secured to enable the media to function effectively in all spheres, including environmental advocacy.
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