International Press Institute Nigeria will not succumb to intimidation, says President
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, has declared it will not succumb to intimidation while discharging its responsibility of protecting journalists in the country, stressing that no amount of mudslinging, or character assassination will deter the organization from its mission.
Penpushing reports that President of the world body Musikilu Mojeed, made this known while reacting to a false media report that accused him of unethical conduct emphasizing that International Press Institute (IPI) remain committed to press freedom, journalists’ safety and ethical journalism
“Let me assure you, dear colleagues, that: No amount of intimidation, mudslinging, or character assassination will deter IPI Nigeria from its mission. We remain committed to press freedom, journalists’ safety, ethical journalism, and an improved operating environment for the Nigerian media’, he stated.
Penpushing further reports that Mojeed who is the editor-in-chief of Premium Times, in the statement recalled that two newspapers -The Authority and Peoples Daily – had published a false report in December claiming that a non-profit organisation, Global Rights Nigeria, accused Mojeed of lacking integrity.
The newspapers have quickly retracted the story and apologised to Mojeed after Global Rights Nigeria stated that it had not issued a statement, which the papers claimed they had relied on for the false story.
Penpushing also reports that the apology and retraction by The Authority newspaper was signed by its Executive Director, Chuks Akunna and published on the newspaper’s website, describing its story as regrettable and phantom.
“The management of The Authority Newspapers hereby apologises for the regrettable and phantom report… that somehow found its way into our website’, Akunna stated.
Penpushing reports that management of the newspaper claimed that internal investigations revealed that the login details of its late executive director (publications) were used to post the false story without authorisation.
The management added that there were strong indications that this mishap was the handiwork of an ex-employee, explaining that it had since blocked access to the compromised login details and was continuing its investigations.
Penpushing further reports that the authorities stated that that it holds International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria in high esteem and would not participate in any campaign to undermine the institute.
The Peoples Daily, on its part admitted that the allegations it had earlier published against Mojeed were inaccurate, unsubstantiated, speculative, and did not reflect the true character, professional conduct, or record of Mojeed.
“Detailed fact-check by the Peoples Daily has revealed the allegations attributed to a civil society organisation and other commentators were unsubstantiated, speculative, and did not reflect the true character, professional conduct, or record of Mojeed’, it read.
“We have since established that Mr Musikilu Mojeed has not engaged in any form of unethical journalism, intimidation, racketeering, or financial impropriety as earlier implied in our report’, the management wrote.
Penpushing also reports that Mojeed, in his communication to members of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, linked the false report to the organisation’s recent decision to blacklist two Nigerian governors and the Inspector-General of Police for their repressive actions against journalists.
“Since then, shadowy interests have sought to distract, intimidate, and discredit both the Institute and its leadership through falsehoods, planted commentaries, and coordinated smear narratives, some of them unfortunately laundered through media platforms and proxy voices,” he stated.
“We are conscious that those uncomfortable with scrutiny may seek to use even fellow journalists or commentators as instruments in this campaign. We regard this, regrettably, as part of the cost of principled leadership and service’
Penpushing reports that Mojeed said he would take appropriate legal and other steps to defend his integrity, and that he remains focused on the organisation’s core work and responsibilities.
“I thank you for your solidarity, vigilance, and continued support. I urge members to rely only on verified information, resist the amplification of falsehoods, and remain united as we confront these challenges together’, he said.
Penpushing further reports that it would be recalled that in December, International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria blacklisted Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for their attack on the media.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Governor Bago have been engaging the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria on how they could be delisted from the organisation’s Book of Infamy, while Governor Eno, resorted to a campaign of calumny against the organization.
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