PC-SPJ has expressed great concern over reported threats to the life of an Ibadan-based journalist, Mr. Tayo Oyeladun of Lagelu FM. According to a report reaching the Safety Alert Desk of IPC, Oyeladun made the claim via a Save My Soul message posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, January 30, 2023.
He noted that the threat was related to a programme he anchored, tagged “Bosenlo” after which the CPS to Soun Ogbomoso reached out to one of his senior colleagues to express his grievances about the comments of one of the guests. Since then, he began to receive strange threat calls.
“The past few days have been hard for me and my family. I am facing death threats for doing my job as a broadcast journalist. I believe in balanced opinion and free speech in a democratic setting. I’m living in a society where the system favours the elite and those in the position of authority,” he alleged.
“I have become a soft target in elite chess games and their pursuit of self-aggrandizement. There is pressure from high places to get me sacked from my job! If I lose my job or life, will they take care of my children and family? My offense? being a child of nobody. Friends and family please keep praying for my safety,” he further stated.
IPC-SPJ is deeply worried about the situation of Journalist Tayo Oyeladun and hereby calls on the Nigerian government and the security agencies, especially the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State to ensure that he is not harmed in any way.
IPC-SPJ enjoins anyone who may be aggrieved over the comments made during the programme anchored by the journalist or his guest to seek redress through legal channels instead of attempting to resort to extra-judicial self-help.
According to a statement issued and signed by Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer IPC-SPJ is therefore appealing to other media freedom groups, freedom of expression organisations and human rights bodies to join in the clamour for his safety. IPC-SPJ is also condemning the forceful invasion and closure of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State government.
“A team of heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station in two trucks, allegedly led by the Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) and an official of the State Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Otukpo Zone. Staff members were reportedly assaulted, and a journalist reading the 1pm network news bulletin was forced at gunpoint to halt the broadcast,” the report stated.
IPC-SPJ states that, this incident is an abuse of power and an attack on press freedom and democracy. We are calling for an immediate investigation of this incident, especially the officials involved. The appropriate punishment should be meted on those found guilty.
