APC Condemns Clampdown on Journalists as Niger State Government Blacklist FIVE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State condemned yesterday the clampdown on journalists in Niger State.

The Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Vasta, in a statement in Abuja said the government has blacklisted five journalists. The Nation correspondent, Jide Orintunsin, has been barred from the Government House.

Vasta said: "The correspondents of Thisday, Aisha Wakaso, Leadership, Abu Nmodu, Blueprint, Aideloje Ojo, Daily Trust, Aliyu Hamaham have all been blacklisted by the Niger State government.

"The government told the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) that it has suspended its relationship with the journalists.

"While Niger people are managing to cope with the seven years of mal-administration, seven years of misery, seven years of pains and waste of state resources, the government wants to use its remaining nine months to harass and cage journalists from expressing their freedom.

"APC therefore urged the members of the press not to relent in the pursuit of their professional duties, no matter the amount of intimidation and blackmail.

"Journalism is not a crime; freedom of the press is freedom of the people."

The statement said it is only a leader with poor records of performance and human management that will resort to harassing innocent citizens and journalists.