Former Commissioner for Information, Trade, and Investment, in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, has condemned the expulsion of journalists from Enyimba TV and Radio Ltd from a press briefing at the Abia State House of Assembly.
According to Kalu, the Speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa, ordered the journalists out of the briefing due to the media house's critical stance on his refusal to inaugurate Hon. Aaron Uzodike, the duly elected winner of the 2023 Aba North State Constituency election. Kalu described the action as "a new low" for Emeruwa and a clear attempt to silence the free press and muzzle opposition.
Kalu also criticized Emeruwa's directive to journalists not to ask questions related to Uzodike's inauguration, which has been delayed for over seven months despite the Appeal Court's affirmation of his victory. He noted that Emeruwa's actions are reminiscent of dictatorial tendencies, and that his refusal to inaugurate Uzodike is a clear disregard for democracy and the rule of law.
The former commissioner expressed disappointment that Emeruwa, elected on the ticket of the Labour Party, has failed to uphold democratic principles and has instead chosen to emulate dictators. He also lamented that Governor Alex Otti has not publicly defended democracy and the rule of law, despite the popular call for Uzodike's inauguration.
Kalu further stated that the government in Abia State is baiting the opposition PDP to engage in street protests, which would enable further clampdown on leading opposition and media personalities who have refused to be intimidated or bought into silence. He noted that press freedom is a key indicator of the state of democracy in any community, and that Emeruwa's actions are a confirmation that the government in Abia is not ready to deliver on democracy and its tenets.
Kalu called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leaders of the National Assembly, and civil society organizations to speak out against the emerging autocracy in Abia State. He also demanded that Speaker Emeruwa apologize and recall the expelled journalists, and inaugurate Uzodike at the next legislative session.
Finally, Kalu noted that Abia State is not an empire for an emperor and his 'hallelujah officials' but a democratic state under the rule of law, with full observance of media freedom and independence.
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