Press Freedom: Imo govt failts CJID research on journalism practice, blasts PDP

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The Imo State Government has labeled as untrue the recent publication by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID, which depicted the state as a major threat to journalists nationwide.

Rejecting the findings, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, also challenged assertions made by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that supported the CJID report.

In a statement, the PDP criticized Governor Uzodimma’s administration following CJID’s research that identified Imo as the most perilous and hostile environment for journalism practice in Nigeria.

The Commissioner accused the PDP of showing “crass ignorance” by quickly endorsing the CJID report, describing the organization as lacking the credibility to conduct a thorough evaluation of press freedom in the country.

He stated that the group, led by a publisher of an online news outlet, showed “lack of pedigree and essential logistics” to carry out a trustworthy review of journalism practice in Nigeria.

Emelumba added that the media group is notorious for sensationalism, focusing heavily on flawed and exaggerated reports.

He also claimed the PDP was eager to find any excuse to attack the state government and jumped on the report without verifying the CJID’s claims.

In his statement, the Commissioner condemned the PDP’s swift reaction to the report, accusing them of spreading false information.

He dismissed the CJID report as “biased, jaundiced, unreliable, and absolutely misleading.”

“This is a body that has shown zero capacity to execute evidence-driven assessments of media practice in the country. Little wonder they churned out a report that failed to adhere to the minimum standard of research, relying instead on hearsay and submissions from opposition elements to tarnish the image of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration.”he stated.

The Commissioner further criticized the criteria used in the report such as denial of access to information, intimidation, and harassment stating these do not reflect the actual situation in the state.

“If the report met even a modicum of empirical rigour, including interviewing the journalists on the ground, it would have discovered that Imo is one of the most friendly and safest places for the practice of journalism in Nigeria” he further stated.

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Emelumba pointed out that aside from the inconsistencies in the data that informed the report, no government official was contacted to provide the government’s perspective, which is a basic principle in journalism practice and regulation.

“I can bet you that no one was sent to Imo State for any survey on the subject matter. They entirely relied on secondary information cooked up for them by the opposition in the state.

“If the Centre had been circumspect and impartial, it would have found out, even from the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. Governor Uzodinma and his officials are fully accessible and no journalist in the State has been harassed or intimidated.” the release further informed.

The Commissioner revealed that the State Governor has provided buses to both the State Council of NUJ and the Correspondents’ Chapel, as well as the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). He also noted the introduction of a journalism award aimed at promoting credible and ethical reporting, alongside the appointment of journalists to prominent positions, including the current Head of Service.

He further explained that through local liaison officers and experienced communication aides, the administration has created multiple channels for public information sharing and media interaction.

Emelumba criticized the PDP for hastily endorsing a flawed report just to gain political advantage and stated that the state government will no longer take the party seriously.

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