VP Shettima Begs IPI on Behalf of Bago, Eno and IGP
The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has blacklisted Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for alleged violations of press freedom across the country.
The announcement came on Tuesday during IPI Nigeria’s Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed “Addressing Media Repression and Safeguarding Democratic Accountability in Nigeria.”
According to the Institute, the three public officials have been added to its Book of Infamy a permanent record documenting individuals and institutions found culpable of suppressing press freedom and obstructing the work of journalists.
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IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, explained that Governor Bago was listed for ordering the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM in Niger State on August 1, 2025, despite repeated interventions by both IPI and the Minister of Information.
He described the action as “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unacceptable,” stressing that the matter remains unresolved.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom was also listed for expelling Channels Television journalists Christopher Mufat and Kufe Ipe from the Government House on May 24, 2025, following reports that displeased the governor. Mojeed noted that several attempts to engage the governor’s office were ignored.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was added over what IPI termed “systemic media repression” by police officers nationwide including harassment and arrests of journalists despite prior engagements with the Force Headquarters.
However, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chaired the event, appealed to IPI Nigeria to grant a two-week grace period to intervene on behalf of the blacklisted officials.
“I crave your indulgence give us two weeks. Governor Umo Eno is a pastor and a humble man. I will impress on him to restore those Channels reporters. Bago is my friend; I will invite him, and we will sort things out,” Shettima said.
He also promised to speak with the IGP, describing Egbetokun as “a man in the eye of the storm.”
In contrast to the blacklist, IPI Nigeria announced the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, as the winner of its Commendation Award for what it described as his commitment to press freedom and respect for journalists.
(Democracy Newsline Newspaper, December 3rd 2025)
