Press release
The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom condemns the attack and harassment on one of its members, Order Paper, by Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/ Isolo Federal constituencies of Lagos state.
The coalition refers to the threats to the staff of OrderPaper and its Publisher, Mr Epia, and considers the Honorable’s actions as a breach of the constitutional rights that allow journalists to do their lawful work.
The Orderpaper crossed paths with Hon. Tony Nwulu after publishing reports on constituency projects nominated in Honorable Nwulu’s name which he was unable to properly account for or provide explanations for the lapses.
Mr Nwulu was on record threatening Mr Epia and his organisation to “take you down” a chilling utterance that is a direct violation of the fundamental rights of Journalists to hold government officials accountable. Journalists are under obligation, by the powers of Section 22 and section 39 of the Nigerian constitution, to hold people in government accountable to their oath of office and their pledge to their electorates.
The Coalition advises Honorable Nwulu to desist from further threats otherwise the coalition will be forced to pursue legal action against him.
SIGNED
Premium Times
Sahara Reporters
OrderPaper
The Cable
Daily Trust Newspaper
International Centre for Investigative Reporting
Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism
Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism
African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
Civic Media Lab
Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC)
International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)
International Press Centre (IPC)
Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ)
Paradigm Initiative
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
HEDA Resources Centre.
