(WAJA/IFEX) – The following is a WAJA press release: **Updates IFEX alerts of 5 May, 3 May, 30 April, 28 April, 20 April, 13 April and 17 February 1999** WAJA STATEMENT ON ARREST OF LANRE AROGUNDADE – CHAIRMAN, LAGOS STATE COUNCIL OF NATIONAL UNION OF NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS. The West African Journalists Association is shocked and […]
(WAJA/IFEX) – The following is a WAJA press release:
**Updates IFEX alerts of 5 May, 3 May, 30 April, 28 April, 20 April, 13
April and 17 February 1999**
WAJA STATEMENT ON ARREST OF LANRE AROGUNDADE – CHAIRMAN, LAGOS STATE COUNCIL
OF NATIONAL UNION OF NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS.
The West African Journalists Association is shocked and dismayed by the
arrest and detention to date of Mr Lanre Arogundade, Chairman of the Lagos
State Council of the Nigerian Journalists Association since April 25, 1999.
After some painstaking investigation by WAJA, we can only conclude that the
arrest of Mr. Arogundade is an extension of the repressive tendencies of the
military era in Nigeria’s history during which human rights activists and
journalists have been singled out for intimidation, and harassment.
His arrest is a disturbing sign that freedom has not yet come to the
Nigerian people and their press.
His arrest is reportedly related to the muder of another journalist, Bolade
Fasasi. No evidence has been adduced up to date about the involvement of Mr.
Arogundade in the murder of Bolade Fasasi. It is regrettable that he has
been arrested solely on the word of known political opponents, who have
never forgiven Mr. Arogundade for his courageous work in the promotion of
press freedom and the strenthening of the NUJ.
WAJA is convinced that the arrest and detention of Mr. Arogundade is linked
to his progressive role in the defence and promotion of press freedom in
Nigeria.
In the dark days of the Abacha era, Mr. Arogunade became a pillar of
strentgh around which journalists in Nigeria organised for the return of
democracy to Nigeria.
It is significant to note that Mr. Arogundade was active as usual in
planning activities in connection with the World Press Freedom Day which
fell on May 3 and his arrest and detention could only have been timed to
disorganise activities planned to mark the day.
WAJA believes that Mr. Arogundade is being persecuted for his activities
within the NUJ to keep that body an independent organisation free from the
manipulation of governments and other powerful anti-press forces.
We call on the General Abubakar regime to release him forthwith.
We also urge the Nigerian authorities to release the editor of the Weekend
Diet, John Osaze-Langley, arrested and detained on May 2 in relation to a
story on the reasons for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police
of Nigeria.
These two arrests are a clear attack on freedom of expression in Nigeria and
show bad signs for the expected return to democratic rule on May 29.
Kabral Blay-Amihere
WAJA President
